NINE GAMES DOWN, FOUR TO GO...

Not even the British weather can stop softball in Milton Keynes as the new four-team league goes from strength to strength come rain or shine.

The league has provided competitive action for a number of experienced and rookie players and the season is hotting up even if the weather has been a damp squib at times.

July 12th saw the second double header night at the Woughton-on-the-Green playing fields, & despite persistent miserable weather, two great games took place.

The Homerun Hornets, previously without a win, ended their scoring slump with an amazing 40-26 win over the Willow Lakers. Despite the dominance of the batters, the game was most memorable for some great catches in slippery conditions. Pitcher Alan Davis and Robyn Hillyard (first base) took MVP honours for the victors. Lauren Pritchard (first base) and Richie Murray (shortstop) starred for the Lakers – the latter scoring a grand slam and taking an unbelievable catch.

On the other pitch, the Double D’s and Towcester Tigers fought it out to be the first team to clinch a play off berth. Thanks partly to a grand slam by Craig Holmes and MVP performances by outfielders Rachael Shkurko and Jon Reynolds, the D’s came out on top 27-16. The Tigers pitcher Laura Simpson and outfielder Dan Lovell were named MVPs, but all is not lost for the Tigers who remain favourites to seek revenge on the D’s in the play off final.

However, the in-form Hornets remain alive in the race after defeating the D’s 25-14 on July 26th. Outstanding batting again made the difference for the resurgent Hornets with Alan Davis leading the way on the pitching mound and also moving up to joint top on the home run leaderboard. Shortstop Chris Borah and Leanne Reynolds (second base) were named MVPs, while shortstop Rachael Shkurko and pitcher Jason Jenkins took the honours for the D’s.

This result meant that the Lakers, Hornets and Tigers are all in the hunt to face the D’s in the play off final. Lakers need a win against the Tigers in the next match night to keep both their hopes, and the Hornets’ dreams alive. It’s getting exciting, and who knows, we may need the calculators out at the end of the season to decide the finalists!

Photos gallery below from the Hornets V DDs game (thanks Soph!)