Hornets still flying high, while Double Ds bounce back into play off race

Last Tuesday saw another double header night with both the Homerun Hornets and the Double Ds picking up important wins. We enjoyed fine weather and scorching temperatures and the action was also heating up on the field as two nailbiting games developed.

The Willow Lakers had a full squad available and Jake Clarke and Sam Gibson began a vigourous warm-up routine which included polishing off cans of Strongbow and Fosters respectively. But it didn’t take long for Jake to sober up with a fine homerun as the Lakers took a 5-4 third innings lead, leaving the Hornets stunned. Some early errors led me to think the Hornets had helped themselves to a crate of Tennants Super Strength before the first pitch.

However, the good news was Hornets captain Chris Borah was back in action after injury. In previous weeks he has showcased his multiple talents – firstly coaching the Hornets to victory in game one, and then expertly tending his sausages on the barbeque during an off-week. This week he hit three homeruns to help sink the Lakers. There were also homeruns for MVP Trevor Morley and two for Chris Flynn.

The Hornets took control in the fourth and fifth innings as a swarm of home runs meant the Lakers were taking on water. Some good catches by MVP Robyn Hillyard on first base ended hopes of a Lakers comeback, but Sam Gibson and the ageless Adam Bee picked up MVP honours for the Lakers. It was also great to see several rookies play a big part on the game with Kimberley Angell in particular with some impressive hitting.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to watch the Double Ds v Northants Praetorians game as I was playing, but it seemed an exciting game – certainly by the sounds of one of Shoshana-Toli Dzialoszynski’s celebrations. The game was a real thriller with the score tied at 8-8 at the end of the fourth – signalling the rapid improvement of Northants, who benefited from a homerun by MVP Alex and a fine performance by fellow MVP Tash.

However, the Ds took control in the later innings as homeruns from MVPs Chris Russell and Sophie Shkurko and another from Brad Davidson secured a long awaited win.

It was great to see so many players enjoy the summer softball action and we continue to welcome new players to training and supporters to watch games. This week’s off-field highlight was James Reynolds’ superb mini Hornets shirt, although there was disappointment for Lauren Ratcliffe’s sausage dog Steve, who arrived to find he’s still to dislodge Hedley Bevan as third base coach – despite his boundless energy.

Next up, it’s the Roundabout Rhinos versus the Towester Tigers – a key game in the play off race. Training takes place for those not involved. See you there!