Wanderers and Concordes contest ‘one of the best’

Wanderers and Concordes contest ‘one of the best’

In one of the best softball matches in recent years Wanderers outlasted Concordes White in a game that spanned almost three hours of high drama at Blue Lake Sports Park on Saturday.

Wanderers jumped Concordes early, leading seven-nil after the top of the third and looking in total control thanks to accurate pitching from Rej Smith.

However, Concordes fought back and from two down sparked a rally five runs on the scoreboard.

The score and momentum then moved back and forth, but Concordes was never able to draw level.

Leading into the bottom of the last innings Concordes needed what seemed like an insurmountable five runs to win.

With two out and loaded bases, needing 3 to win, Jo Hopgood cracked a hit into the gap between centre and left, with two runs scoring to leave the scores tied with the third runner held up at third base.

Tantalisingly close Concordes left the bases loaded without scoring and an extra innings was called with tie breaker rules in place (runner starting on 3rd).

Wanderers saved its best for last and batted truly to score five runs, while Concordes managed only one run in reply.

It was a heartbreaking loss for Concordes who have been the big improver this season, but a well deserved win to a Wanderers side that will fancy their chances against Warriors Blue next week.

Alli Kreplins pitched six excellent innings for Concordes and was matched by Smith from Wanderers who also pitched with nerves of steel.

Best with the bat for the team in green were Em Hart and Smith with three hits a piece, while Concordes’ Hopgood had four.

In the playoff for a grand final berth, Demons defeated Warriors Blue convincingly to stake its claim as massive title favourites.

Warriors Blue scored first thanks to a loaded bases walk, but from there on in pitcher Montana Millard barely put a foot wrong, only allowing two hits in total and striking out four over as many innings.

Demons also showed its depth with the bat and took advantage of some uncharacteristic fielding errors by Warriors to pile on five and six runs in the third and fourth innings respectively to invoke the mercy rule after only an hour of play.

Cody Manning had two safe hits and Hayley Burner came back from an early strike out to smash a huge three bagger over the fielder at centre field.

Holly Watson and Jorja Mason batted at six and seven and showed why this batting line up gives no breathing room, both recording outfield hits.

It was a disappointing game for Warriors Blue, which must play at its highest level to overcome Wanderers at 2pm this Saturday.

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