Fight for League final spots intensifies

The race to make the MK Softball League final for 2021 is going to the wire, with a number of mathematical permuations possible to decide the two spots.

The Towcester Tigers continued their impressive season with an 11-7 win over the Willow Lakers. Tigers MVPs were Eddie Thompson and Hannah West, and Robert Welch and Tilly Jones for the Lakers. Eddie in particular impressed with some superb work in the field including a full length diving catch.

Next up was the Hornets and Lakers - but the Great British Summer intervened and the game was abandoned after 3.5 innings by a thunderstorm - forcing all players and those training to take cover under a flyover. The game will be replayed later in August.

Next followed the Double Ds at the Tigers, with the Tigers looking for a 17th regular season win in their history and the most of any team.

But it was not to be as the Ds secured a comfortable 15-2 win. This result meant five teams were tied on two wins with just run difference to separate them.

The Ds MVPs Chris Benton and Nikita Shkurko, & the Tigers MVPs Alex and Hannah West, who has picked up the award every Tigers game so far.

The Tigers have also been spreading the softball word in the local media, hosting BBC Radio Northampton.

Meanwhile the MK players enjoyed an Olympics themed evening at MK11 Sports Bar, watching some of the softball action in Tokyo. A big thank you to our new social secretary Kat for arranging it. Plus there was also a hugely enjoyable family day at Caledcotte Miniture Railway. Thanks to Sam for organising!

Next up were the Lakers and Odd Sox, a repeat of the 2018 final. With both teams at 2-2 a victory was vital to keep hopes alive. It was the Lakers who ended their regular season with an impressive 18-3 win and moved into the league top spot. Lakers MVPs were Tilly Jones and Adam Bee, and for the Sox, Loren Reynolds and Chris Russell.

Sadly, the result means the season is over for the Sox. But they can hold their heads up high with half the team in their first season, and definitely pick up the best dressed team award in their new shirts!

The Lakers now have to wait and see if they make the final. The winner of next week's clash between the Tigers and the Rhinos will be a likely contender, and the DDs and the Hornets could also mathematically sneak into the final - so all to play for!