ROUND 2 of softball saw the Warriors and the Demons claim impressive victories over Concordes United and Concordes White.
In the first clash of the day between the Demons and United, star player Billie Jones took on her former club for the first time.
After a close and intense start, the Demons flexed their strength to take the spoils.
Early on, the Concordes seemed up to the task and started the better of the two sides, however, after base runners were left stranded in the first two innings, the Demons eventually found some momentum.
The third innings was when it all clicked for the Demons as they scored five unanswered runs to take the ascendancy in the contest thanks to back-to-back doubles from Billie Jones and Kezia Feast, followed by a single to Steph Chant.
A six-run fifth innings from the Demons meant Concordes had no way back into the game.
Demons coach Feast had a day out with two doubles and a single, as did Sharna Beck with three safe hits.
There was little to get past Leonie McCallum at third base for Concordes as she also recorded two safe hits with the bat.
In the other match, the Warriors launched out of the blocks to take control of the game early thanks to a double from speedster Sarah Polderman, while Bec White hit a double, then later a triple.
Karley Pearson put in a strong performance for Concordes White and moved around the bases in the bottom of the first, after she picked up a walk before stealing home.
Pearson was her team’s best with a safe hit off of Jarvo Queale, after a late pitching change.
Pearson’s single to left was enough for McCallum to score, who doubled after her strong performance in the first game.
White remained patient, picking several walks but the Warriors’ field was rock-solid and absorbed the base runners with little scoreboard damage.
Linda Dodds quelled her nerves against her former side with two safe hits and two RBIs.
It was a strong game for Skylea McLean who hit a single and backed up every throw made to first base, while Clare Chaplin came off the bench and scored a run and a single.
Mel Chuck led Warriors in the field with youngsters Arrabelle Searle and Jasmine Disselbach.
Concordes’ Sam Brown, Aleesha Tucker and Linley Pollard were all advanced after being unintentionally hit by the pitcher.
Pollard impressed behind the plate for White and will be a key player for her side this year.
The Warriors have a bye next round, while Concordes White will take on Jones and the Demons in what should be an exciting encounter.
Results:
Demons 18 d Concordes United 4. Safe Hits – Demons: K. Feast, S. Beck 3, B. Jones, S. Chant, E. Smith 2, S. Nieuwenhuizen, E. Hart, S. Morale 1; Concordes United: L. McCallum, C. Jackway 2, D. Jones, S. Thompson, B. Von Duve, A. Lindquist, R. Clarke 1.
Warriors 12 d Concordes White 4. Safe hits – Warriors: B. White, L. Dodds 2, S. Polderman, A. Queale, S. McLean, C. Chaplin 1; Concordes White: K. Pearson 1.
