Sabres get their teeth into Seagulls at the top
SEVEN runs in the sixth inning was the highlight in the St. Helens Sabres’ 18-8 victory over the Southport Seagulls to take top spot in the Sefton Softball League.
After a strong display of early-season form, the Sabres look to be a surprise contender for the league title.
After a low-scoring start by both sides, a combined 16 runs between the third and sixth innings with little reply from the Seagulls proved to the sceptics that their win over the Sharks in the opening week was no fluke.
St. Helens got off the mark with a run from centre-fielder Richard Jameson. However, that was the only scored run in the first two innings, as both side’s fielders were quick to cancel out any potential threat.
The third inning began the Sabres scoring onslaught as four runs, including two impressive hits from captain Jack Scholes and Natalie Leyland put St. Helens into a 5-0 lead. After that, they never looked back.
Despite the Seagulls eventually getting on the board, the Sabres lead was forever extending.
More solid base-hitting from Scholes, Leyland as well as left fielder Rebecca Ebo and right-fielder Jordon Colton gave them a uncatchable target.
In the end, their ten-run victory has given them some well-deserved confidence and belief that they can keep this level of momentum going throughout the summer.
Unfortunately due to a lack of available players, the match between Formby Fins and Sefton Sharks was forced to be postponed.
The two remaining sides that are yet to record a win in 2017 will have to wait another week for an opportunity to end their losing run.
No official confirmation has been made on when this match will take place.
There is the possibility of making their next scheduled clash counting for double points.
Returning next week are the Crosby Vikings, where they will be doing battle against the Sharks.
This fixture last season saw Crosby come through 19-0. Will Sefton cause an upset over the two-time league champions?
The other match-up sees the Sabres take on the Fins. With how 2017 is evolving for both sides, this match could see St. Helens take a firm grip of this league and extend their gap at the top.
Before all that, this weekend sees the return of the Sefton Shield. The weekend tournament is now at a new venue and at an earlier time of the season. Before, it used to be held at the end of the season at the Northern Cricket Club. Now in its fifth year of existence, they have moved the event to Childwall Sports And Science Academy.
With an expanded playing area, this tournament can now accommodate 14 teams.
Teams from around the country including Manchester, Leeds, Milton Keynes as well as the Sefton teams will be doing battle to collect some silverware.
The event takes place from 9am this Saturday 27th May till the early evening on Sunday 28th May.
The Sefton Softball League is always happy to welcome new players. With the birth of a sixth team being the league’s next ambition, now is the time to be a part of this ever-growing league. Come down to Holy Family High School in Thornton on Monday evenings at 7pm to give it a go and check out the matches. Also, don’t forget to check out the league website www.seftonsoftball.com, like the Facebook page by typing in Sefton Softball and follow them on Twitter @ SeftonSoftball.