by Jeremy Thomas
Antwerp, Belgium: August 12 -- Another rain delayed game meant that most of the GB supporters ended up spending almost 12 hours away from their hotels to stay and watch two Great Britain games at the European Cadette Softball Championships. After the disappointment of the previous game against Spain, what the fans didn’t know was that they were in for a roller coaster ride against Serbia.
The Cadettes, however, had gone back to their hostel after their first game, got plenty of food and drink and came back to the field refreshed and full of energy.
Their Serbian opponents boasted nine girls from the silver medal winning team from the European U13 Championships in Ankara last year. Their results so far in the 2011 tournament had yielded only one victory against the French, but they had fought out some other tight losses, so GB couldn’t take anything for granted.
Great Spirit
The game started in ideal fashion for the GB defence. It was three up and three down, with two put-outs at first base (one with Fran Meakin covering from second) and a pop-out to complete the inning.
The GB offence also started well, with the first two batters getting on base. Amy Trask was next up to the plate and did not disappoint. A hit into left field got her to first and scored one run. The next GB batter flied out to sacrifice in another run. Lucy Hall hit a line drive single to left field scoring the third run. Not only was it 3-0 GB, but this was also the first time that the GB dugout out-sang their opponents.
The second inning carried on in the same fashion for the Serbs. Their first batter struck out swinging, and the next was put out at first. The third batter, centrefielder Marija Savic, worked a single, but was left stranded at first as the next batter popped out. GB’s batters fared little better as the third out came with two runners stranded, but gave new players like Chelsie Robison, valuable batting experience.
GB again sat down three of the next four Serbian batters, and it was time for their defensive dominance to be converted into offensive superiority and more runs. As the rain started to fall again, the fans were nearly treated to a home run by lead-off batter Ellie Pamenter, but her line drive to deep centre field was ultimately chased down and she was held at third with a triple. She wasn’t there long, though, as she scored on a fielder's choice. With a runner on first, Grace Dickinson demonstrated she can hit as well as bunt, but both were left stranded as the next two batters struck out swinging and GB was left with a 4-0 lead.
Wet conditions
The rain was getting heavier now, creating very difficult conditions in which to field the ball, and it was GB who had to endure the frustration. The first batter, first baseman Katarina Grujicic, got on base and then stole her way round as the ball kept slipping out of control. Left fielder Djurdjina Stojkovic was hit by a pitch to get her on base and also scored on another hit. GB struck out the seventh batter and was able to stem the flow, but found themselves in a competitive game from that point forward. GB’s offence looked to be on it’s way to scoring again, but some great defensive work -- a throw from centre field to third base to get the lead GB runner out and great catches from Katarina Grujicic and short stop Nevena Udovicic -- ended the inning 4–2 to Britain.
There was no further scoring in the fifth, but Great Britain committed their first error. Sian Wigington returned to the diamond after being sidelined with injuries for the last few games.
The Serbians fight back
Even though the first Serbian batter was an easy out, the next batter -- Andrea Miletic -- reached base on a walk, and the rally was underway. With a pair of hits to right field, the tension and adrenaline led to further GB errors. The Serbs first drew level and then, for the first time, took the lead in the game. With runners on second and third, Britain needed two outs and Ellie Pamenter delivered as the next two batters struck out looking and swinging. Serbia was leading 4-5 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.
Heart pounding
If the tension experienced in both dugouts wasn’t bad enough, it was even worse for the supporters. Great Britain was back to the top of the order, and Chloe Wigington led off with a double down the third base line. With one out in the inning, Amy Trask hit a monster line drive to centre field scoring Chloe, and Britain tied the game at five runs apiece. The next batter reached base and GB were in prime position to win the ballgame. Amie Hutchinson stepped up to the plate and hit a deep fly to right field, which had all the supporters standing up to watch, hoping it would drop. As the ball hit the turf there was no stopping Amy Trask scoring the winning run to a chorus of cheers.
The GB Cadettes had 15 hits on the day, including a 4-for-4 performance from Chloe Wigington.