It was a warm start to the tournament as GB took to the field for their first game against the Netherlands, and it was set to be a great start for team to face the Dutch side in their opener. This would be the first game for the new-look coaching staff, and a team filled with both experienced GB players and several players making their debut.
Strong Start
With the first two batters struggling to find grass, Mike MacDowell stepped up to hit his first homer of the tournament to get the scoring started. Then with walks from Leach, Hazard and Reed-Thomas, Tom Russell reached on a fielding error, scoring two further runs for GB. As GB took the field to defend their lead, the first batter flew out to Robbie Studholme in left field, and it was an excellent start from Joe Grantham as pitcher who took a diving catch for the second out and a pop fly for the third to end the first innings.
The second innings started with a great string of base hitting, with Grantham, Jessop, Studholme and Robison all singling, bringing in the first two RBIs of the second innings, then with Leach stepping up and, demonstrating her experience, she singled to left centre to bring in another two RBIs. The final run scored by GB came from a deep hit to right field by Hazard.
At the bottom of the second innings the great display of GB fielding continued, with the first out, another by Grantham, quickly followed by Russell taking a high pop-up at second base. The third batter Hassink had the first Dutch hit of the game on a line-drive, however he was to be left on base as Russell fielded the final out of the third innings.
Continuing the Roll
After only one run scored by GB at the top of the third inning, they continued to hold the Dutch, the score now sitting at 9-0 at the end of the third, however the GB bats returned in force in the fourth inning. A lead-off single from Leach and double from Hazard set up Reed-Thomas for a sacrifice fly, Tom Russell then stepped up to hit his first homerun of the tournament to bring in another two RBIs. The GB hitters continued to build, with Humphris singling and Grantham taking a walk, and Katie Jessop singled to left centre bringing in both Humphris and Grantham for another 2 RBIs.
As the Dutch batters stepped up, they still couldn’t match the consistency shown by GB so far, as despite two hitters reaching base, the lead runner was tagged out at home by Leach to prevent the score which was quickly followed by a double play turned by Russell at second base. The score sat at 14-0 as we entered the fifth inning.
Closing Out the Win
At the top of the fifth inning, the GB continued to show their experience in the box, with a lead-off single from MacDowell followed by walks from Leach and Hazard who scored the first RBI. The second run scored from Reed-Thomas who despite not reaching base pushed the runners round scoring Zoe Le Roux who entered the game as a pinch runner for Leach. Unfortunately, no further runs scored, however GB had secured the lead required for a mercy rule win – they just needed to close it with the gloves. It was to be another clinical inning of fielding with the win never in doubt as GB quickly secured the three outs needed from just four batters. The first two outs were secured by catches in the outfield from Chelsie Robison, with Katie Jessop taking the final out with a catch behind the plate to end the game.
After the Game
The GB team had started the campaign to defend their title in an emphatic manner, and the new Head Coach Dan Spinks had this to say about their performance;
“The team has focused on vibe and intensity prior to the tournament. The commitment and application of both experienced and new players was absolutely perfect. Smiles, noise and skilful execution from both infield and outfield. The energy was infectious and we didn’t give the Netherlands an opportunity to impact the game. Great start to the tournament!”
Duncan Waugh added;
“Absolutely thrilled with how the team came together and performed - the mental preparation and intensity kept us on the ball from the first pitch to the last. Considering some of them have never played together in a competitive game, we showed chemistry and cohesion you’d expect of a veteran squad, from top to bottom.”
GB look to continuing building on this strong performance when they face Germany in their next game at 3pm today (BST). The tournament streams can all be found here: Coed Slowpitch European Championship (softballeurope.tv)
