Eighteen mostly C-grade teams enjoyed a good day of softball at the Windsor First Ball tournament on a chilly Saturday 27 April at Farnham Park.
While the weather was generally sunny, there was the odd freak hailstone and some random thunderclaps to make the day more interesting.
With entries mostly from C-grade teams, there was no opportunity to have dedicated B and C brackets. So the teams were split into three groups of six, and played three placing games. When a C-grade team came up against a B-grade team, they were given a two run per inning advantage.
After the initial placing games the top 12 teams progressed to six semi-finals and three finals and the bottom six teams progressed to the Silver Spatula group.
Results
The winners and runners-up were:
Group 1
Winner: Windsor Knights
Runner-up: Chalfont Flames
Group 2
Winner: London Blitz
Runner-up: Locos
Group 3
Winner: Solent Mariners
Runner-up: Maidenhead Softball Club
In the Silver Spatula group, everyone was a winner! All teams received a silver spatula in keeping with the spirit of the tournament – fun and friendly.
Thanks and teams
Tournament Organiser Pearl Bramhall said: “Many thanks to all the captains and players, who took care of their rubbish, helped with the bases etc. It was much appreciated at the end of a long day – exemplary performances on and off the field.”
The participating teams were:
BA Nanas, Richings Park Eagles, Richings Park Falcons, MSC, Windsor Knights, Ascot Blue Sox, Blitz, Wildcats, Birmingham Bobcats, Rattlesnakes, Locos, Chalfont Flames, Vampire Batters, London Guerrillas, Solent Mariners, London Flames, The Mob, Base Invaders.