WANDERERS edged out rivals Pirates 3-2, with tight pitching from Wanderers’ Ryan Smith ensuring the win at the Mount Isa softball diamonds.
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Pirates recorded two runs in the final innings to keep the match exciting right to the end.
Joel Naughton was a star for Wanderers at third base, while Jordan Pickering was as reliable as ever on first, seemingly swallowing everything that came his direction.
Steve Dredge returned to his natural position of catcher to great effect, and was supported by strong outfield catching by Frank Long.
Kev Richards (catcher), Arnold Bowman, Kieran Punch, Bart Walden and Kelvin Dempsey were the strongest performers for Pirates.
In the other Mount Isa softball association men’s A-grade match, Red Devils cruised to a 17-3 victory against Rebels.
Red Devils were once again led by Phil Horne, Chris Beetham, Stewart Beetham, Jarred Morgan and Jim Worth, who all put in handy performances.
Rebels’ Mark Bellamy, Jesse Parker, Chris Tyson, Jesse Parker and Yael Ladisla tried hard and ensured the score didn’t blow out further.
In the open women’s, Rebels Red got the better of Wanderers A 10-5 in a hard-fought contest.
Five runs in the bottom of the sixth innings saw Rebels Red break the tie and get home in a thriller.
Meghan Protheroe returned from her absence and pitched three scoreless innings in a masterful display of pitching for Rebels.
Rebels quartet Cheryl Gallagher, Meghan Cleary, Tiffany Waddell Wood and Gerry Timonen all contributed when the side needed them. Keeping pace with her pitching rival, Wanderers’ Jaimie Bargenquast kept it scoreless for the first two innings as well, before the Rebels Red bat came to life and got on top.
Wanderers A players Lisa Parker, Gracee Ryder, Jay Jay Hegarty and Amanda Bishop played hard and supported Bargenquast.
Red Devils kept their strong form going against Rebels White, recording a tough 12-5 win thanks to a star performance by third baser Neomi Sippos.
Red Devils looked to have the game in the bag leading easily early but a big top of the innings batting onslaught by Rebels saw them force the Devils to hold their nerve and seal the win.
Katelin Hovi, Kim Smith, Michelle Ridge and Lyndin Smith-Francis were all handy with the bat in hand for the victors, while Hazel Martin was crafty with her pitches as usual.
First-time catcher Cianne Denyer was a standout for Rebels White and was supported by Linda King, Lilian Stewart and Fiona Bryant.
Wanderers Gold held out a determined Wanderers Blue outfit 11-6, as Marette Sculz starred with the ball.
Best on ground for the Golds were Teresa Knight, Leanne Rumbalu, Zhoe Stephenson and Colleen Byrne.
Judy Lloyd, Lorrainne Gosbee, Sue Tromp, Cass Lloyd and Jo Mackenzie played their hearts out for Gold and continue to show improvement.
In the day’s other match, Rebels Blue defeated Pirates 7-0 due to low numbers causing Pirates to not be able to field a team.
In the A reserve men, Pirates ground out a hard-fought win against Wanderers, who now head into finals with momentum.
Power hitters James Byrne and Arnold Bowman ensured Pirates took home all the points, while pitchers Tristan Saltmere and Jaymon King ensured Wanderers’ bats never heated up.
Nathan Drew pitched strong for Wanderers but wasn’t supported by his outfielders who struggled in the tough windy conditions.
Dick Kostowski went from hero to villain for Wanderers, catching a screamer in the first innings before dropping a fly, which resulted in three runs for the opposition.
Justin Bindley, Chris and Simon Bulgarelli led the Wanderers while Jarrod Nilsson’s huge home run to third base on Diamond one was the highlight for his team.
