What a game! The wind disturbed both teams. Lots of errors and some good hits from both teams meant this was a close match.

Only 4 batters faced the start-up pitcher Alex Davis before being retired. This gave Mariners a lift. They came out positively. Hits by Colin Barnes, Tony Burgess and Tausia Antonio with Shawn Carr, Chris Keith and Tony Provest getting on base led to 4 runs being scored.

Cardinals responded scoring 3 runs with just a single hit before being retired following some good field work and a high outfield hit caught by Tausia Antonio. Unfortunately Mariners were unable to add to their total – the score now 4-3 with Mariners just ahead.

The wind picked up and so did Cardinal’s batting. After two quick outs Cardinals started hitting. They scored five extra runs. Mariners needed to respond. All nine players for Mariners got on base and scored at least one run this innings – with hits from Leith Grant, Colin Barnes, Shawn Carr, Tony Burgess, Tausia Antonio  and Tony Provest – Mariners had scored 11 runs.

Not to be outdone Cardinals responded. With six good hits and too many Mariner’s errors Cardinals added 9 runs. Cardinals now led 17 – 15. One last chance for Mariners. Tausia Antonio and Chris Keith got on base before Tony Provest made his first outfield hit for a while advancing runners. Tausia Antonio snuck home on a wild pitch while Sue Stibbard got on base. Leith Grant hit to left field scoring the equaliser before Alex Davis made a slow running hit down to third base enabling the winning run to score. Mariners 18 Cardinals 17.

New comer to the mound Alex Davies started for Mariners  doing a great job throwing 52 pitches 21 strikes and 2 strikeouts, followed with relief pitcher Tausia Antonio 79 pitches 51 strikes and 1 strikeout.

A great game to watch despite the bitter cold!

Photos by: Ian Pearson