(A Grade Women) Strathalbyn  v USC Bears

Strathalbyn started the game well getting onto base, but a couple of great plays from the Bears had the first two batters out at home plate to prevent any runs. Strathalbyn then managed to get the next two batters home in Kathryn Milne and Britt Jackson, thanks to a two base hit to the outfield by Kerry Wilkinson who was unable to get home herself with the third out a quick throw from Bears catcher Courtney Broughton to first base to pick off the runner. Bears also brought in two runs in their first batting dig after both batters had good hits to the outfield with Strath’s pitcher Tessa Norris, centre field Emily Eglitis and third baser Jackson all taking catches for the three outs. 

Strath were held scoreless in the second with a K2 to Bears pitcher/catcher combo of Leah Farrell to Broughton, a catch to Broughton and a catch at third by Kate Adamson sending them from the diamond. Strath returned the favour and held the Bears scoreless in their second turn at bat with an out at second, a K2 to Norris and catcher Kim Cutting and a put out at first. Bears were on fire in the field again holding Strath scoreless with three up three down, a catch in the outfield by Bronwyn Pendleton and two outs at first. Strathalbyn then found some sharp fielding too with an out at first, a catch at right by Tiahna Mayes and an out at first to end the Bears third dig three up three down. Strath needed runs but were unable to score in the fourth with Farrell pitching well for two K2’s and then Broughton making a great tag at home to end the innings. Three runs were brought in by the Bears which included a home run to Pendleton with Strath making the three outs, a K2, an out at third and an out at first. 

The end of the game was getting close and Strathalbyn were four runs behind but with some good hits and great base running, particularly by Cutting, they managed to bring four runs in with the Bears making an out at second, an out at third and then an out at first to end the innings. With the game now tied Strathalbyn had to be strong in the field and they were with good decisions by Crystal Karayiannis at shortstop fielding and throwing to Milne at second for two outs and then a K2 to end the game holding the Bears scoreless again to finish the game locked at 6-6. In the other ‘A’ grade game, Hahndorf defeated Torrens Valley Redsox 4-3. 

(C Grade Women) Strathalbyn v Hahndorf White

The battle between second and third on the ‘C’ grade ladder proved to be a very tightly contested game. Strath opened the batting with Rebecca Sims getting on base and helped around the diamond on a bunt from Madison Lippasaar and a left field hit from Bobby Taylor. Casey Taylor’s fast feet saw her outrun a throw from shortstop Jess Jakeway. Bobby and Casey Taylor both crossed the plate to bring up 3 runs before Hahndorf ended the innings on a K2.

Hahndorf batted strongly in their first at bat. Jayne Passmore and Kerry Lawson both got on base before Jess Nitschke hit a long left field Home Run. Jess Jakeway crossed for Hahndorf’s fourth run of the innings brought home by a long left field hit by Amanda Martin. Amy Roker ran down the hit and Strath was able to relay in the ball and trap Martin between home and third. Bobby Taylor ran her down the line to secure the first out. Casey Taylor ensured the remaining outs with plays at first and third bases respectively.

Strathalbyn’s second at bat was a quick affair. Only four batters faced pitcher Anna Bell and all three outs were through plays at first to Lorna Dugan.

In the bottom of the second Strath’s pitcher Kelly Roe and catcher Bobby Taylor set to work. Kerry Lawson was out K2 before Jess Nitschke showed her batting power with another deep Home Run, this time to centre field. Strath found their second out from another K2 and brought about the end of innings with solid fielding from Casey Taylor at short stop making a play to first. Only allowing one run for the innings, Strathalbyn held on to their narrow lead. In the third innings the bottom of Strath’s lineup were the ones to chalk up the runs. Amy Roker had a solid centrefield hit to get on base. Team batting by Kelly Roe and Clare Foley saw them both on base through walks. Back at the top of the lineup the runners were pushed around the diamond by Sims, Lippasaar and Taylor bringing in four runs for the dig.

Hahndorf’s final at bat for the game was three up three down. Sari Flynn was out K2, Katie Olives was out at first on a throw from Casey Taylor and Gini Ingram was out K2. In their final at bat for the game Strath was unable to add to their total. While Kelly Roe, Clare Foley and Jo Falkland all got on base they got caught while on the diamond and three outs came before any runs could be scored. 

Final scores: Strathalbyn 7 (best players: Bobby Taylor, Amy Roker ) defeated Hahndorf White 5 (best players: Jess Nitschke, Jayne Passmore).