Mount Gambier teams shine on State stage

The Mount Gambier side in the SA State Softball Championships in the A Grade competition were pumped on arrival at Barrett Reserve for the 2025 Country Championships, particularly as the draw had them playing at very civilised hours but unfortunately often at the same time as our other side in the B grade.

The team came away with two wins, two draws and two losses prior to losing as the second placed team to a fired up third placed Gawler side in the finals.

The results were extremely close with Sunraysia top at the end of day one, bottom by the end of day two then champions at the end of day three – comprehensively beating Gawler 8-2.

The Mount team boasted the newly minted home run derby winner Cody Manning who had put one over scoring two on the first day of the tournament against Gawler.

This was the third time Manning had been crowned and topped it off with team of the tournament accolades as the short stop then blitzed the opposition in winning MVP.

Her hitting was sublime throughout the tournament and she continued to score runs for her side.

Other standouts with the bat were young speedster Lily Clifford-Finch who matched Manning for average, often stealing bases and putting bunts down to pressure defensive efforts of each team faced.

Teresa Hatch and Justine Koop have been regular and consistent performers with the bat and in the outfield, Hatch cooly answering the coaches call to pitch, entering games early with minimal warm up and throwing strikes.

Chrystal Lock was also tossed the ball to hold the dangerous Central Districts bats after team leader Sarah Polderman pulled her driver legging out a triple in her first, and in the end only, at bat of the tournament.

Assistant coach Kezia Feast was also hampered by injury, restricting her game time.

Lock was also integral to minimising free bases with her blocking efforts behind the plate.

Mel Chuck also kept her hitting tally rolling, channeling some Australian Open tennis type form to her shots.

Veterans Leanne Little and Leyna Bruggemann chipped in with several hits between them offering some protection to Manning.

Bruggemann pitched in four of the seven games, keeping hitters guessing with her changes opf pace, while Steph Chant was a ball magnet in a great 6-2 victory over Sunraysia, where she took many catches.

Taylor Pearson had our hearts in our throats with a bare handed juggled catch earlier in the tournament but she was far more composed in putting down the bunt with less excitement.

Daena Wombwell was deservedly pleased with herself taking two excellent foul fly catches.

Mount’s fielding was collectively disappointing for the tournament, especially considering how sharp they had been at training and while the errors continued into the final game, Gawler’s hitting was too strong.

The playing team, keenly supported by Simone Little, Jasmine Disselbach and Di Humphries, were disappointed with the finish but enjoyed their time on the diamond in the big smoke.

Special shout out to Caroline Bradshaw who shouldered umpiring commitments in between playing as she worked towards accreditation with feedback from the umpiring expertise of Steve Wallace-Yarrow and Kevin Tannebring.

The Masters team showcased their talent and determination as part of the B Grade competition, making it all the way to the title decider.

The team began with a strong start on day one winning their first game against Port Pirie and then only narrowly missing out on the win against hills in the second game of the day.

Backing it up on Sunday with a double header winning both games against Gawler and Riverland, and then going down to CDSA in an impressive game in the third game of the day, which saw them sitting third heading into finals.

In the elimination round, the Masters line-up was on fire, beatsing Gawler before backing it up after 20 minutes to take on the Hills., winning and earning the grand final spot.

The title decider was a battle from start to finish, with masters having something to prove.

Although they fell short in this game it was an exciting game that displayed a lot of talent, grit, determination and great sportsmanshi, proving they were a team worthy of being there.