CONCORDES White inflicted a second straight mercy rule defeat on rivals Wanderers in the Mount Gambier softball catch-up round held in perfect conditions at Blue Lake Sports Park on Saturday.
Wanderers hit the scoreboard first after a scorched line drive lead-off double to Lily Clifford-Finch, followed by a muffled outfield fly which proved costly for Concordes as two runners crossed the plate on the play.
However, it only served to spark Concordes into action, as a lead-off hit to Jo Hopgood was followed by consecutive singles to Rachel Bagshaw, Billie Jones and Maddie Bowd, culminating in five runs before the first out was recorded.
Concordes put their foot down further and a scorching double to gun hitter Jones saw the ninth and 10th runs cross to complete the mercy innings with still only one out.
Concordes then showed their intent with a quick innings in the field and heaped more pain on the Wanderers fielders in the hot conditions with a further seven runs in the second.
This innings was highlighted by a huge double to Bowd, who went on to have four hits for the game, including three doubles to make her easily the batter of the day for either side despite some great hitting by Jones.
Wanderers mounted a challenge in the middle innings with some good batting by Rej Smith and Jo Hart, but left themselves far too big a mountain to climb, especially against the pitching of Alli Kreplins, in combination with catcher and brains trust Sam Brown.
For Concordes Rachel Bagshaw showed why she is the player to watch with her rocket-like arm at third base, as she racked up the outs with ease and had two safe hits to go with it.
Smith battled hard behind the plate for Wanderers all game and kept Concordes runners honest with her quick thinking.
Leanne Little was ever-reliable at third, but they could do little about the hitting of Concordes, who found the gaps all day and ended up recording a comfortable 18-9 victory.
