Tribe hunt down Rhinos to secure title

The Tribe capped a fine first season in the Milton Keynes Softball League winning a high-scoring final against the two-time holders, the Roundabout Rhinos.

The final took place at the diamond in Conniburrow, the home of Milton Keynes Softball, with BSUK umpire Liz Knight calling balls and strikes. A number of the club's young Dinky Diamonds players were involved in the ceremonial first pitch celebrating the start of MK's new youth sessions which have been a great success.

The first Tribe inning saw Rhinos pitcher James Bradley strike out three batters - leaving the bases loaded. The Rhinos charged into an early lead when Carl Billson's triple scored Steve Lamb and Leah Holmes.

However, the Tribe bats started to unsettle the Rhinos, scoring three, four and two runs in the next two innings to lead 9-4 after three innings.

On the sidelines there was the customary excellent crowd for the final despite the chilly weather and rain which worsened over the course of the evening. A sign competition kept everyone entertained with commentary supplied by Hedley Bevan. Prizes were won by Trevor Sykes and Marcie Gray in the signs competition and Chris Russell won the prediction competition.

The Tribe bats continued to fire with a homerun from Miguel Marraco. MVP Fyona Shannon scored an impressive four runs and Jake Clarke five, as the Tribe extended their lead to 19-12 with one inning remaining as the rain began to fall heavily. Carl Billson did his best to keep things close with an MVP performance of his own, going 5-5 with two home runs including one over the fence.

The game came down to the final inning with the Tribe easing nerves with Trei Edghill's triple a highlight. In the drizzle, facing a 23-12 deficit, the Rhinos got nerves jangling with home runs from Steve Lamb, Carl Billson and Steve Lamb reducing the arrears. However, a brilliant catch at first by Michelle Chiem secured the final out, a 23-19 win and the League Championship for the Tribe.