Fourteen teams travelled to Pontcanna Fields in Cardiff on the weekend of 6-7 June for the fourth annual 'Diffodil Tournament for C-grade and D-grade teams, sponsored by the Cardiff Red Sox.
Some initial drizzle soon gave way to sunshine, and at the end of the day on Sunday, the C-grade trophy was in the hands of the Guppy Spotters from Bristol, while the D-grade trophy was on its way north with the Leeds Lightning.
Sunshine
Holly Ireland from the Red Sox takes up the story:
For the third year in a row, a sunscreen advisory was issued for the 'Diffodil Tournament -- but as usual was not heeded.
There was a record turnout of Cardiff teams, with appearances by the Hammers, Chaos, the Hurricanes, the Cardinals and the much-loved Valley Wet Socks. The VWS have improved their 'Diffodil record every year, despite the inevitable first day injury to Captain Rob Davies. Rob said that next year he aims to play a fourth game in the tourney.
The Cardinals, despite having only four players show up on Saturday, managed to play all but their first game through the generosity of the C-grade, proving a team can make it through the first day with only four of their players but probably shouldn't (penalty runs were awarded appropriately to the opposing teams). A representative from the Cardinals said they had intended to arrive, but they were then offered a drink.
D-grade
In D-grade, Leeds Lightning sought to capture their second trophy in a row, and did so, despite some comical base running by Matthew Ng. All tournament attendees were thankful there was no repeat of "the final that would not end" of last year between Leeds Lightning and the Dragon Warriors. This year, it was runners-up Chaos who gave them a good game.
The D-grade Spoon went to fun-loving 'Diffodil favourites Ice Cold Pitchers, denying the Oxford Beavers their fourth spoon. MVPs were Christine Barr from Chaos and Leeds Lightning's James Pearson.
Special mention goes to the Thundercats from Jersey. Umpire David Lee said: "They showed an outstanding attitude to a team that were clearly mostly beginners. They were encouraging and supportive to the opposition at all times and tried hard not to embarrass them. Their actions did them great credit and typified the spirit in which a D-grade touring team team should play."
C-grade
Meanwhile, in C-grade, Bristol's St George achieved their goal of having a Welsh team shout "Three cheers for St George!" after their game against the Hammers, who proudly walked away with the Spoon.
The Guppy Spotters battled the Feeeeeeeesh in the final. There were some amazing plays in this game, and home runs by Dave Jones and David Dean. The teams both kept their focus despite the 10-minute delay in play due to the World Naked Bike Ride, which passed through the fields halfway through the game. Some tournaments provide musical entertainment, the 'Diffodil provides nude protesters.
In the end, Guppy Spotters captured the trophy. The Female MVP award went to Guppy Spotter Kirstie Leach who, among other things, fielded a ball at second, got the tag, then fired the ball to first, completing the double play.
The Male MVP was the Feeeeeeeesh's Oscar "Poseidon" Marenco.
Results
C-Grade Winner: Guppy Spotters
C-Grade Runner-up: Feeeeeeeesh
C-Grade MVPs: Kirstie Leach (Guppy Spotters) and Oscar Markenco (Feeeeeeeesh)
D-grade Winner: Leeds Lightning
D-Grade Runner-up: Chaos
D-Grade MVPs: Christine Barr (Chaos) and James Pearson (Leeds Lightning)