Fully loaded fundraiser

Softballers join forces for charity match for local cancer support group

The inaugural All Stars Fully Loaded softball match was played in picture perfect conditions, raising $3000 for the Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group, with Golden Girls snaring a last gasp victory in last Friday night’s high-octane game.

The brainchild of the Warriors Softball Club and spearheaded by Mel Chuck, the fundraising event was held in honour of Warriors stalwart Kristyn Dawe, who lost her battle with cancer, a few years ago, with Tammy Jones, also remembered – the much loved Concordes player also losing her cancer battle in the past couple of years.

Tammy’s three daughters played in the Fully Loaded clash and husband Geoff plate umpired the Friday night blockbuster.

The Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group was represented by Lorraine Musgrave, who was in charge of the pre-match toss and gave a short pre-game address.

“The support you’ve given to our group will achieve us to keep giving support where it’s needed so a big thank you for your support,” she said.

Played in front of a grand final style crowd, the Golden Girls and Elite 11 went head to head playing Fully Loaded rules, which sees every innings start with loaded bases.

Golden Girls batted first and opened with two runs, but were well held by the Demons pitcher catcher combination of Billie Jones and Em Hart. Jones kept momentum for her side with a double, and a sac fly from sister Dana Jones helping Elite 11 lead 4-2 after the first.

The Golden Girls rallied with two out in the second innings to pile on six runs thanks to some heads up base running by Sarah Polderman and a beautiful hit to Cindy Burford.

Lily Clifford-Finch was absolutely dominating at left field for the Golden Girls, arguably best on ground with a handful of excellent catches to deny any home run aspirations. Maddy Sutherland smoked one in the second for Elite 11 to start a good run of hits which saw them score four, meaning scores were level at 8-8 after two innings.

The close game continued with scores still level at 10-10 after three, with tight fielding and good pitching denying easy runs. Sarah a Polderman pulled in absolutely everything for her side at short stop, with Kezia Feast matching her with wonderful commitment and encouragement to her team mates.

The top of the fourth saw Elite 11 put four on the board before an out was recorded, and it looked like the game was slipping away, but superstar and crowd favourite Angela Queale pitched brilliantly to induce three fly outs to abruptly end the innings and give her side a chance to steal in, needing five runs in their last at bat.

Fittingly it was Lily CliffordFinch that drew the match for the Golden Girls with a lovely hit to centre field, and she was the winning run to cross the plate on an RBI from Wanderers team mate Abbey Lovekin.

The Golden Girls were crowned the victors to delight of coach Nat Anderson, with Elite 11 gracious in defeat.

DOING IT FOR KIRSTYN: (Above main) The two teams lining up ready for the inaugural Fully Loaded fundraising softball match and (right) the winning Golden Girls team.

FULLY LOADED: (Above from top) Sisters Billie Jones, Cody Jackway & Dana Jones were part of the inaugural Fully Loaded fundraising event and organiser Mel Chuck with Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group’s Lorraine Musgrave.