A record number of 24 teams from all around the country took part in the East Midlands Softball League's annual Labor Day Tournament on the weekend of 15-16 September at the University of Leicester in Oadby. The tournament has tripled in size since moving to Leicester, and the entry this year included teams from Manchester, London, Leeds, Maidenhead and Bristol as well as the East Midlands.
The majority of teams stayed in accommodation provided by the university, and came together on Saturday night for a fancy dress party at a nearby football club.
On the field
Teams were split into C and D grades, with two divisions in each. Teams played a round-robin within their divisions on Saturday, followed by another round-robin against teams from the other division on Sunday, with all teams playing a minimum of eight games.
The round-robin results were then used to determine who would compete in the finals, with teams playing for Cup, Plate, Ashes and Spoon trophies.
Results
The top title was won by the Leeds Terriers for
the second time since the tournament moved to Leicester, as they defeated the Exiles in the Cup Final by 20-9.
The Plate Final was a tremendous game between the Rhythm and Leicester Royals, with the Rhythm coming out on top by a score of 18-17.
The Lucky Strikes from Bristol prevailed over the Redbacks in a high-scoring Ashes final, 29-12.
And two Nottingham teams, the Rebels and Cougars, fought out the Spoon final, with the Cougars coming out on top by 10-8.
Tournament MVPs were Mark Green, long-time Leicester Royals captain, in his last tournament before retiring from softball, and Gabe Adams, who was the MVP in virtually every game she played over the weekend.
Recycling and charity
In a Labor Day Tournament first, recycling bins were widely provided to collect recyclable waste, an example of how softball can do its bit for the environment. In another first, the tournament organisers will be producing carbon footprint data, in keeping with the local tradition of environmental awareness in the area.
In addition, the Leicester Royals Softball Club and the East Midlands Softball League also used the tournament to raise £350 for Edgar's Gift, a local charity that helps support young cancer sufferers.
Thanks
The Leicester Royals and the EMSL want to thank:
- Tournament Organiser Kayleigh Green.
- The University of Leicester for providing accommodation and the grounds, plus all the ground staff at the university.
- Oadby Town Football Club for a great party.
- John Flynn for First Aid.
- Sam & Gui for wonderful food provided by the Treehouse Cafe.
- Pete Saunders and the rest of the umpire crew.Oadby and Wigston Borough Council.
- Ben Marchini for providing the carbon footprint data.
- Neil Farr for the great photographs.
- Mike and The Softball Shop, for stocking everyone up and making very generous donations to help support fundraising.
- Edgar's Gift.
- And everyone who helped put the tournament together.