Formidable defensive play was the deciding factor in this game. Tornadoes ace Ben Corsen had a stellar game at short stop with new signing Hannah Coutu on first base which kept Rangers A’s runs to a minimum. Whilst Rangers A showed skill in the field, particularly from Miles Pengelley whose strength and speed in the outfield was notable, they could not field the ball from the solid batting that Tornadoes produced.

This opening game proves that the 2012 GSA softball season will not be one to miss. Division Two sees two new teams, Marlborough Mavericks and Turx Hornets, step up to the plate. With recently promoted Rangers B set to play their opening game against Rangers A, it looks like there will be some serious competition on the diamonds this year.

Training is for secondary age pupils and the team of coaches welcomes anyone, no matter what experience they have.

First Innings: 3-0 Jersey
Jersey started with a 1 bagger, followed by 2 outs. Then a home run saw them score 3.

Guernsey struggled to get on with some clean hits with 5 batters up and no runs scored.

Second Innings: 7-3 Guernsey
Jersey had 2 consistent hits to Dale Martel, who barely lets anything pass him, so 2 up 2 down, then a nice little flyout to shortstop saw 3 up, 3 out.

Guernsey needed to start batting as they were 3 runs behind. A 1 bag hit from Sophie Warren followed by a “dolly” hit from Marco Sylvestri got her on bag only for Warren to then be run out on 2.  Jussie Smith managed a walk, then Martel had a great 3 bag hit scoring in Sylvestri and Smith.  Hannah Coutu (who wasn’t to be outdone by the boys) hit a 3 bagger and scored in 2 runs.  Ben Corson then scored in 1 run.

Third Innings: 7-4 Guernsey
A great home run from Jersey’s lead off Chris Le Lion.
Guernsey then had three infield outs – good fielding by Jersey.

Fourth Innings: 10-4 Guernsey
3 up, 3 down for Jersey by 2 good catches and a good stop by Martel with a take out on 1.
Lead-off Glen Cortez was up to bat and hit a flyball to centre field.  Coutu had another good hit with a 2 bagger, followed by Corson who also hit a 2 bagger.  JJ Mariess scored them both in with a home run.

Fifth Innings: 15-7 Guernsey
A couple of 1 bag hits and then walking a male allowed 3 runs to come in. 6 batters in total with no fielding errors from Guernsey.
Martel was up first with a text book 1 bag hit over 3rd base.  Danielle made it to 1 (thanks to 2nd base) and then followed a 1 bag hit from Cortez and Coutu, and 2 baggers from Corson and Warren. 5 runs scored in total.

Sixth Innings: 19-8
Jersey’s sub Anzola started strong with a 3 bagger, followed by a 1 bag hit. This was followed by a couple of infield hits but only allowed Jersey to only score 1 run.

Seventh Innings:
Guernsey were 12 runs ahead and Jersey really need to score. Jersey’s lead off was up to bat but was out by a great catch by Sue Fish at right field.  Jersey then had a couple more outfield hits but only managed to score 3 runs in total.
Guernsey didn’t need to bat..

Final Score 19-11 Guernsey

Comments:
Dale Martel only gave up 2 walks in 38 @ bats but he did bat 1,000.
Great batting and fielding by Hannah Coutu.

First Innings: 4-1 Jersey
Jersey started with 2 up 2 out, then the next 2 batters managed to get on bag. Guernsey then gave a walk to a male allowing the lead off to score then a female followed on 2 out. A 3 bagger saw Jersey score another 3 runs.

Guernsey’s start was just as bad with 2 up and 2 out.  A fielding error by 1st saw Pengelley take 2 bases, Katie Cochrane hit a 1 bag as did Pete Le Page scoring in Pengelley.

Second Innings: 4-2 Jersey
A great catch from Gillespie – we saw air between his feet and the grass! Guernsey then gave up a walk. A great double play by short stop Pete Le Page – a great catch and then a text book throw to 1 where “our walk” left before the catch.

Tony Gillespie hit a 2 bagger and Paul Gontier scored Gillespie in with a 1 bagger. Sam Machon had a 2 bagger but didn’t manage to score Gontier in. Guernsey finished the innings with 2 men on bag.

Third Innings: 4-2 Jersey
No score from Jersey; a good catch by Katie Cochrane, followed by two 1 baggers.  The 4th batter managed an infield fly. This gave Pete le Page (short stop) options: tag, force to 2, or throw to 1. Jersey realised they were stuffed, so Le Page took the tag.

Guernsey’s first 2 batters managed to both get out with ‘shortstop to 1st base’ throws. Pete Le Page had another 1 bag hit, but Guernsey didn’t manage to score him in.

Fourth Innings: 5-2 Jersey
Jersey started with a good 2 bag hit but a fielding error allowed the next batter to get to1st base.  Then with a good catch in the field by Pengelley followed with a throw to 2nd base…another “left before the catch” from Jersey. 3 up, 3 out…need we say more!

Fifth Innings: 6-3 Jersey
2 up, 2 outs. Guernsey then walked a male, allowing the girl to also walk. A 1 bag hit from Pedro allowed Jersey to score.

1 out for Guernsey and Sam Machon was up to bat. He had good, clean hit to centre field (or should we say a good 2 bag hit to centre field) and Sam just didn’t stop running and made it all the way home. It was like watching “RoadRunner”! Way to go Sam…

Sixth Innings: 6-3 Jersey
3 up, 3 outs for Jersey.
3 up, 3 outs for Guernsey

Seventh Innings: 7-3 Jersey
Jersey managed to get on bag with a fielding error and then another on 1. Another good hit saw Jersey forced to 3.  A fly hit to Pengelley and again a clean throw to 2nd saw another “left before the catch”.  Jersey’s final batter hit to left field scoring a run, but a great relay from Pengelley to Gillespie to Mollet saw a tag at home.

Guernsey back in for their final bat needed to score 4 runs to draw or 5 to win. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be with Jersey protecting the plate.

Final Score: 7-3 Jersey.

Comments:
Well done to Marissa Mollet who saved several throws on 1st – you make them look good!
Also well done to Sam Machon who scored the only home run – by not stopping on a 2 bag hit!

First Innings: 5 – 3 Dominion Niners
Niners had just watched their Division 2 side loose and they took to the bat straight off with a 2 bagger followed by a 1 bagger. Sally Le Noury then gave a up a walk allowing Niners first run to pass the plate, followed by a 3 bag hit, then a home run. Tornados suddenly woke up and got the next 3 batters out.
With determination, lead off Glen Cortez hit to right field with Tornados first home run of the game. Le Noury got on bag by “luck” and Jay Mariess hit a home run and scored Le Noury in.

Second Innings: 6 – 4 Dominion Niners
Jersey managed to get on bag with a fielding error, then 2 more infield hits followed giving into 2 great outs on 1.  A 2 bag hit then scored another and Le Noury responded with getting a “K”.
For Tornadoes, Sam Machon started with a 2 bagger with Brett Le Leivre scoring him in with a 1 bag hit.  Jersey then got a double play with a 6 to 4 and 4 to 3 – it was a text book play.

Third Innings: 6 – 4 Dominion Niners
3 up, 3 out – good fielding by Tornados.
4 up, 2 out – good fielding by Niners.

Fourth Innings: 9 – 8 Tornados
Jersey started with four 1 bag hits, allowing them to score 2 runs in.
For Tornadoes: 3 up, 3 out with a double play from Jersey.

Fifth Innings: 10 – 9 Dominion Niners
Jersey started with a 3 bag hit; Mollet got an unassisted on 1st then an outfield error saw Jersey score. Another 1 bag hit saw Jersey take the lead again by scoring 2 runs.
Tornados knew they had to hit going into the bottom of the 4th 8-4 to Jersey. 2 up 2 out… then from nowhere Mollet, Le Noury and Danielle Youlton got 1 baggers, Cortez a 2 bagger, Mariess a 3 bagger and a home run from Ben Corson…scoring 5 runs in total – not bad on 2 down!

Sixth Innings: 11 – 10 Dominion Niners
5 batters had an appearance, with a 3 bagger, a 1 bagger and 2 fly hits but only their lead off scored.
It was like watching the 5th all over again with 2 up, 2 out. Le Leivre the saved the inning by a hitting great home run out to centre field.

Seventh Innings: 11 – 10 Dominion Niners
3 up, 3 out – Tornados managed to stop Jersey scoring.
…Nail biting…
Tornados now needed 2 to win. Le Noury got on bag with a walk, Corson managed a 2 bagger bringing Le Noury in. 11-11 with Corson standing on 2. Youlton up to bat with a good 1 bag hit which pushed Corson to 3. Mariess then hit to Centre Right with a home run allowing Tornados to take the title.

Final Score: 14 – 11 Trust Corporation Tornadoes

Comments:
Well played Tornados, a great game to watch
J Mariess was the only Tornados to bat 1,000. He also took some great catches in the outfield.

Rangers saw the return of Rob Dewson to the mound and he certainly hadn’t lost his bowling technique; giving up zero walks with 47 at bats
 
First Innings: 4 – 3 Rangers
Rangers gave up 3 runs in the first inning after 2 two bag hits from Jersey but defended it well with two good catches from Danny Penney.  Rangers then went straight in with the bat with a 2 base hit from lead off Andy Bent, followed by a 1 bag hit from Rachel Page – which scored Bent in. Page was then run out at 2 with Dewson’s bat.  Kiera Vaudin had a good 1 bag hit and Penney hit through left/left centre for a 2 RBI home run.

Second Innings: 6 – 5 CVS Cubs
A couple of good hits from CVS Cubs allowed 3 runs in….
Rangers Leighan Hazlewood started with a hit straight towards third base, but determination got her on bag and was the only run to score off a hit from Dewson.

Third Innings: 13 – 8 Rangers
Cubs’ De Molier was up and scored with a home run and then another run was scored for Jersey.  However, there was great in-fielding from Rangers and good first base “receiving” from Vaudin.
Rangers excelled in the third scoring 8 runs.  A 3 bagger from Bent, 2 baggers from Penney and Rob Priaulx, and 1 baggers from Page, Dewson, Jo Pugh and Matt Marquis… we won’t mention the “K” which Marquis also managed!!!

Fourth Innings: 18 – 8 Rangers
Cubs seemed to lose the bat in this inning with four at bats; only 1 of them getting on bag but not managing to score.
Rangers were straight back in scoring 5 with home runs from Penney and Priaulx. Another 3 bagger from Bent and Page with a 1 bagger.

Fifth Innings: 19 – 8 Rangers
Again, Cubs didn’t manage to run the diamond with 4 up; only 1 making it onto bag.
“Pinch Hitter” Steve De La Haye batted for Marquis and ‘tonked’ the ball and scored a home run… the crowd went wild cheering “shag” all the way! 4 more batters followed, but didn’t manage to score.

Sixth Innings: 24 – 15 Rangers
Cubs realised it was now or never to stay in the game.  With some good hitting to the out field and another home run from Le Molier they scored 7 runs.
Rangers at this point were only leading by 4 so could not afford to relax just yet. They went out and continued with some good batting with a 3 bagger from Penney and Priaulx and 1 baggers from Pugh and Marquis.

Seventh Innings: 24 – 15 Rangers
Cubs started their last bat with lead off Rive. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be – 4 up and no runs scored…
Rangers then didn’t have to bat.

Final score: 24 – 15 Drunken Duck Rangers B

Comments:
Rangers, you did your Coaches proud with good batting and fielding.
Brilliant fielding and batting from Danny Penney and Keira Vaudin.

The game began with Rangers winning the toss and choosing to be the home team, giving them the advantage of last bat.

The first innings got underway with Tornadoes leading off.  Glen Cortez grounded out to the Rangers pitcher, Dale Martel, and was out on first base.  Sally Le Noury was up next and grounded out to second base, where Paul Vaudin got her out on first.  It was not looking like the start Tornadoes had been hoping for.  However, with some safe batting and two bag hits from both Ben Corson and Jay Mariess, and a one bagger from Danielle Youlton, they managed to score in three runs.

Tony Gillespie led off for Rangers and hit a right field two bagger.  The next two batters were out, with Helen Marriott caught at left field and Miles Pengelley grounding out to the Tornadoes short stop, Ben Corson, who got him out on one.  A safe one bagger from Caroline Matthews scored in Tony and got Rangers off the mark.  The next batter was out, ending the innings.

Top of second: 1-3

Tornadoes’ batting was not so good in the second innings, with Sam Machon getting to first base on errors and then being put out on second in the next play.  Brett Le Lievre pushed Jacquie Youlton round to second base with a nice hit into the outfield.  Marissa Mollet hit out to the Rangers short stop, Tony Gillespie, who took the catch.  In the heat of the moment, Brett had left his bag at first base and Tony promptly threw him out before he could return.

Rangers’ batting innings started with Stacey Robert getting safely onto first base.  Paul Vaudin was next up and just cleared the infield along the third base line, but Ben Corson moved across to take the catch.  Stacey Robert was then put out on second base to be two down.  Dale Martel safely got onto first base, pushing Joelle Pengelley into scoring position on third base.  Unfortunately, the next batter was caught by the Tornadoes pitcher, Sally Le Noury for the third out.

Top of third: 1-3

Back to the top of the order for Tornadoes which showed its worth with Glen Cortez hitting a two bagger, to then be scored in by a two bagger from Sally Le Noury.  The next three batters were all caught out, leaving Sally stranded, when all expectations were that she would score in.

Top of the order for Rangers and Tony Gillespie hit a one bagger which left him in a good position when some errors in the Tornadoes fielding led to Miles Pengelley scoring a home run and scoring Tony in.  The next two runners got on bag and a safe left field one bag hit from Paul Vaudin scored them in.  The next batter grounded out to third base, who played Paul out on second.

Rangers had taken the lead.

Top of fourth: 5-4

Sam Machon hit towards the right field fielder who made an error.  This was recovered and thrown in, only for the infield to make a further error and Sam score a sneaky run in.  The next two batters were out. 

An error in the Tornadoes outfield saw Dale Martel safe on second base.  The next two batters grounded out to short stop and were put out at first, whilst Dale had pushed round to third base.  A rare walk from the Tornadoes pitcher saw Helen Marriott safe on one.  Miles Pengelley was then caught out to be three down, leaving Dale stranded in prime scoring position.

Tornadoes had levelled.

Top of fifth: 5-5

With some sensible batting from Marissa Mollet, Glen Cortez and Ben Corson, and an error in the Rangers fielding, Tornadoes managed to score another three runs in.

A nice two bagger from Marco Silvestri and another RBI for Paul Vaudin caused Rangers to score a single run.

Tornadoes had taken a two run lead.

Top of sixth: 6-8

Tornadoes had an excellent innings in the sixth.  Sam Machon lead off with a two bagger, which was followed by 5 one bag hits, scoring in four runs.  More errors in the Rangers fielding led to Ben Corson getting to second and pushing Sally round to third base.  A two bagger from Jay Mariess saw both Sally and Ben score.  Three errors in the Rangers fielding played a big part in this innings.

Rangers looked unlikely to respond to this after their first two batters were out.  A one bagger from Tony Gillespie and a second rare walk from the Tornadoes pitcher merely delayed the innings as substitute Jordan Gallienne grounded out to Ben Corson who took the out on second.

Tornadoes’ lead had drastically increased.

Top of seventh: 6-14

Tornadoes started the seventh innings with a comfortable lead, but knew better than to become complacent – Rangers are more than capable of clawing back that lead!  Tornadoes started well with 5 more one baggers on the trot, but unfortunately, a couple of these caused the lead runners to be out on second.  They only managed to score a single run in the innings, but this still helped increase their lead.

Something special was now required from Rangers.  The first batter up hit it straight at the Tornadoes short-stop, Ben Corson, who easily took the catch.  One down. 

The next batter, Marco Silvestri, got himself to second base with a sensible hit to centre left field.  Unfortunately for Rangers, the next batter again directed their hit straight to the short-stop.  Two down. 

Rangers were in trouble now and there was little else for Paul Vaudin to do, than try to decrease the damage.  He did a good job trying, as he hit an enormous fly ball out to centre-right field, which looked as though it was long gone.  Jay Mariess had different ideas though, as he back-tracked and took an amazing catch over his head.  Three down.  Side away.  Tornadoes victory.

Final score: 6-15

There were 2 Sportingbet Division 2 games on Thursday May 12th.  Drunken Duck Rangers B v Jets played on the bottom pitch and the game ended in a 10 – 6 win for Rangers B.

In the other Sportingbet Division 2 game on the top pitch the final score was 22-21 to Buccaneers.

It was an incredibly close game, with an enormous amount of home-runs!  They were from James Brehaut (Cubs) with 3 home runs & a grand slam, Luke Mauger (Buccaneers) with 2 and Dane Le Page (Buccaneers) with a grand slam.

The game went all the way to the wire in the seventh innings.  Buccaneers were the home team and therefore got the last bat.  Bucanneers went into the bottom of the seventh innings needing 2 runs to win.  Unfortunately, the Cubs pitcher struggled at the end and walked a few players, leading to the two runs being scored.

Tonight saw Ship & Crown take on Drunken Duck Rangers Men in the Sportingbet Mens Division.  In what was a very close game throughout, with the score at 12 all in the 5th and 6th innings, Rangers Men won 16 – 12.

There are no games scheduled for this weekend due to the FA Cup.

Only two fixtures were scheduled for Saturday the 7th May. The first was a Sportingbet Division 1 game at midday between Trust Corporation Tornadoes and Mercator. Tornadoes beat Mercator 19 – 3 with home runs by Ben Youlton and Ben Corson (Tornadoes) and Alec Bailey (Mercator).

The 2nd fixture was a Sportingbet Division 2 game between Cimandis Sluggers and Drunken Duck Rangers B played at 2pm.  For the first few innings Sluggers had the upper hand with very strong batting and by the bottom of the 4th they were leading 14 – 6.

However, Rangers hit back (no pun intended!) with some good batting and won the game 21 – 14. The home runs were from Andy Bent, Rob Priaulx and Matt Marquis (Rangers) and Connor Granville, Darragh Granville and Steve Crowson (Sluggers).

At 2pm on the bottom pitch (in much sunnier conditions!) Mercator took on the newly promoted Rookies. The game looked to be fairly even with strong batting from both sides but Rookies had the edge and won the game 29 – 16.

The Sportingbet Division 2 game between Sluggers and Buccanneers (Rangers A umpiring), which was to take place at 4pm on the top diamond, has had to be rearranged due to a fixtures error.  As soon as the rescheduled game has been confirmed it will be posted on the website.