THE Mount Gambier Softball league swung back into action on Saturday with Round 1 of the 2022/23 season.
The first game back saw reigning premiers Concordes United take on Warriors, with United firing straight out of the gate.
Bec Von Duve took a great catch at second early on and this set the tone in the field for United. Their batting also picked up where they left off last season, amassing a huge 13 safe hits, led by coach Hannah Taylor who started off her RBIs tally with some big hitting.
Warriors did their best to penetrate with the bat, but the Concordes’ fielding was too strong, with strong catch at short-stop from Maddie Bowd holding them at bay.
Dana Jones was strong on the mound, striking out, quick to stop the ball and getting the outs at first base.
However, Warriors justified their reputation for never giving up and executed a great double play, but despite their best efforts, they were not able to meet the challenge.
Mel Chuck and Clare Chaplin led from the front with safe hits for Warriors.
Maddie Bowd was the star with four safe hits for Concordes, followed by Von Duve with three.
Game 2 saw Wanderers, all decked out in their new uniforms, up against Demons.
A tightly-contested game throughout, with a finals-like atmosphere, was a pitcher-dominated affair.
Some solid defensive work from both clubs were the highlights of the day, with Wanderers executing a perfect double play to save a run at home plate in what was a match-defining moment.
While both teams’ bats were a little cold in their first encounters for the season, both line ups started to light it up later in the game, but to no avail.
Wanderers’ Rej Smith did the job on the mound while allowing only five hits throughout five innings pitched.
Defensively Wanderers were sound, which proved to be the difference between the two teams, highlighted by an outstanding catch by Charli Kaigg at left field.
With very few errors, Wanderers were able to keep Demons at bay for most of the game with some outstanding work at first base from Kim Key.
Billie Jones threw seven strikeouts and collected a double of her own in a strong performance for her new club, while playing-coach Kezia Feast also hit well for Demons.
It was a solid performance from all, but Demons could not convert enough opportunities to gain the lead as Wanderers led from start to finish for 5-3 victory to open their account for the season.
Mount Gambier softball Round 1 results
Concordes United 17 d Warriors 4. Safe Hits – Concordes United: M. Bowd 4, B. VonDuve 3, D. Jones, H. Taylor, C. Jackway 2; Warriors: M. Chuck, C. Chaplin, K. Doyle, S. McLean, T. Vickers 1.
Wanderers 5 d Demons 3. Safe Hits – Wanderers: F. Finch 2, L. Finch, R. Johnson, K. Key, L. Little, C. Kaigg 1; Demons: K. Feast 2, E. Hart, B. Jones, S. Chant 1.
