Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women Round 3 (Strathalbyn v Hills Heat)

The first game of the night proved to be a very high standard and entertaining game between the Hills Heat and Strathalbyn Panthers with Panthers the eventual winners, 9-7. Heat got off to a good start scoring three runs to Jackie Pocock and Kerry Wilkinson, all scoring from a great home run to left field from Kim Copperstone. The Panthers came back firing with four runs to Crystal Karayiannis and Kim Cutting, all scoring from a huge home run to centre field from Britt Jackson, while Gab Martin scored from a brilliant three-bag hit to centre field from Sasha Penglase. Brilliant tight fielding from the Panthers held Heat to one run at the top of the second dig. Strathalbyn responded adding another two runs from Cutting`s great three-bag hit to right field and Jackson from a bunt and safe hits to Emily Eglitis and Martin. Top of the third innings saw great pitching from Martin to Cutting and an impossible catch at left field to youngster Karayiannis held Heat to one run. Panthers again came back with two runs provided by Karayiannis and Cutting from Jackson, Eglitis and Martin getting on base. Top of the fourth innings and conditions turned slippery and wet as light rain started falling and Heat added another two runs courtesy of Kate Adamson and Lisa Wilson. Panthers Tessa Norris stole home scoring one run from an out providing the edge. With 10 minutes remaining, the top of the fifth innings saw the Panthers again hold their nerve to keep Heat scoreless with great plays from catcher Cuttings throw to shortstop Penglase for a tag at second base, Pitcher Martin to another youngster in Tilly Lovelock`s first game at first base and another assist from Martin to Lovelock at first, ending the game to see the Panthers run out eventual winners in a highly enjoyable and skilled game.  

Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women Round 3 (Strathalbyn v Pirates)

Strathalbyn were having their first game against Pirates ‘C’ grade this season and did well in the field with Stacey Jamieson fielding at shortstop and throwing to Clare Foley at second base for the first out and Casey Taylor taking a catch at left field and then quickly throwing to third to make another out and a double play to hold Pirates scoreless and end their innings. Strath were up to bat but didn’t start well with Pirates making an out at first and a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Kerry Elliott to Tamika Wilks before Rebecca Sims and Bobbie Taylor were choosy about the balls they faced and both earnt walks. They stole their way around the diamond before being brought home by a hit to Taihya Graham to bring in two runs before another K2 sent them from the diamond. Deb Taylor had a good hit for Pirates and with savvy base running, was eventually brought home by a hit to Jackie Atkinson to get a run on the board before two K2’s to Strath’s pitcher/catcher combo Sims to B.Taylor and an out at first base ended the innings with no further score. Pirates held Strath scoreless in their second turn at bat with an out at first, a K2 and a catch taken by pitcher Elliott to send them from the diamond. Pirates added one more run in their third turn at bat to Brenae Beattie who ran the bases well with C.Taylor taking another catch in the outfield, a catch to pitcher Sims and another K2 to end the innings. Strath were again held scoreless in their third batting dig but did include a safe hit to Sarah George before Pirates shut them down with a K2 and two outs at first. Young pitcher Annabel McGregor came in for Strath and did well for her first time pitching in a Senior game to get a K2, an out at first and an uncommon out for leaving the base early ended the innings after bringing in six runs for Pirates. Strath needed runs in their fourth turn at bat and with hits to Kelly Roe, Graham, George, Heidi Samuel and a three base hit to B.Taylor, the Panthers brought home six runs to tie the game. Time and game were called with the game ending in an 8-8 draw in a great game played with great fun and respect to all players.