Vikings have advantage as title race goes to wire
THE battle for the Sefton Softball League title now moves to a head-to-head clash over the next two weeks, as it was two comfortable victories for leaders and defending champions Crosby Vikings and challengers St. Helens Sabres.
A 16-6 win for Crosby over the Sefton Sharks and a 19-6 victory for St. Helens against the Fins puts both sides in good stead for their upcoming consecutive clashes in the final two rounds of matches.
In the Vikings ten-run victory over the Sharks, a first inning home-run by third baseman Sean Miley gave his side a promising start.
However, the Sharks also found a home-run of their own from outfielder Dave Martin-Baez.
That tied the game at 3-3 after the opening exchanges.
A further four runs were scored by the bottom of the Vikings batting order in inning number two.
With only one run in reply from the Sharks, that sent Crosby into a three- run lead. It would be a lead that they would gradually increase for the rest of the contest.
Two innings later, and the Vikings moved further ahead with a 9-5 advantage.
That forced Sharks captain Stephen Shearer into a change in the outfield in the form of youngster Matthew Green.
While that improved the Sharks fielding, the batting still eluded them. A combination of seven runs in the final three innings saw Crosby come out winners by ten runs.
In the other contest, the Sabres slightly bettered that result with an impressive thirteen-run victory against the Formby Fins.
It was a strong opening for St. Helens as five runs from the middle of their batting order, gave them an early commanding lead.
The Fins responded well in the second inning by out-scoring their opponents 3-1.
But a home-run by right fielder Rachel Sewell got back her side’s fourrun lead in the third inning.
A further five runs in the fourth inning included a first ever home-run for outfielder Terry Ebo saw the Sabres increase their lead to an uncatchable eight runs.
The rest of the contest became a procession in high-quality batting by almost the entire Sabres batting lineup.
A combination of six runs were scored in the final couple of innings, with the highlight being a monster home-run hit by outfielder Richard Jameson.
That final flurry of runs certainly gave Sabres captain Jack Scholes and his side the right amount of confidence going into their last two matches that will decided the league.
Next weeks sees the first part of a double-header to find out who will be crowned league champions in 2017. The Sabres are now in a must-win situation, as two wins against their rivals will take the crown. As for the Vikings, one win will be enough and captain Ray Bennett and his team will be making sure to do it at the first attempt.
The other contest sees the Southport Seagulls return from their rest week to take on the Fins.
The Seagulls will be looking for two wins to end their league campaign with a winning record.
As for the Fins, one win is all they are looking for to avoid a completely winless season.
But before all that, the Vikings and Fins will be venturing out to Slough this weekend to compete in the British Softball National Championship. Last season’s efforts by both sides has qualified them for this prestigious competition.
They will be doing battle against the best clubs in the country.
Last year saw the Vikings take the bronze.
They will be aiming to better those efforts at the ‘Farnham Park Baseball & Softball Complex’.
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.