Warriors start title decider favourite

CONCORDES United have kept their post-Christmas form well and truly alive with a comprehensive victory over the Millicent Bandits 10-4 in the weekend’s preliminary final to secure their place in the 2025 Mount Gambier Softball League grand final against this season’s league leaders in Warriors.

Dana Jones looms large as a key for United to conjure the upset.

The pocket rocket proved the difference with two in the park home runs, including one with the bases loaded, on the weekend.

Her sister Codie Jackway will be a key – she is in top form behind the plate, snagging some great foul fly catches and a sensational pick off at third that snuffed out Bandits’ momentum in the knockout final at the weekend.

Sarah Thomson’s bat sparked up and she took a fabulous line drive catch.

She could be a key playmaker for her team depending on how Warriors get the ball into play.

Aimee Brooks lined a homer of her own and continued to fly under opposition team’s radars.

Jacinta Packer made several key outs, while. Billie Jones will likely share United’s pitching duties with Dana Jones as they face another seven innings game.

Tylar Kennett tag teamed with her sister Harmony at second base, taking a catch or two that limited Bandits as did Bec White at third – White also bringing power with the bat.

The coaching staff of Bec Von Duve and Leonie McCallum may call on Julie Beck to move their team’s base runners around with some stealthy use of the short game.

Daena Wombwell, fresh from finishing runner up in the league’s MVP voting, looms as a key for Warriors as she works with pitching options Sarah Polderman, Teresa Hatch and Leyna Bruggemann (pictured).

Hatch, Wombwell and Polderman have hurt teams on the scoreboard throughout the season but none more so than the team’s spiritual leader in Melissa Chuck.

Chuck’s supreme RBI situation hitting had her way out in front of the MGSL to secure the season RBI gong.

Role players Linda Dodds, Jasmine Disselbach and Kelly Doyle will all take their moments to have an influence on the contest, while Taylor Pearson has been a quiet achiever for her side, a person who cheers for everyone, has mastered the bunt and provides a nimble target on the relays that may make the difference in the big game.

Justine Koop has had another stellar season with the bat, with Maddy Bignell another that looms large in the batting box.

Haley Lindner has proven herself as a RBI hitter, while the experience for Angela Queale, especially in clutch moments will be pivotal.

The stage is set for a tense, high quality season decider with Warriors favoured to take the 2024/25 title.