15 years after we started with a win in the Div 1 Grand Final, we did it again in 2024; coincidentally against the formidable Renegades. The team may have changed slightly, but for the best part of 10 years we have all been turning up, aging gracefully on the diamond. We have brought a few ‘young’ ones in to help us, but with an average age of 48 for our team this weekend, we are humble in the fact that we are still able to play some good softball.
The first day we were down 5, yes 5, but rest assured it had no impact. Zoe, Judith and Julie stepped up and filled in for us in the 2 games we played and unlike previous years we actually won our first 2 games. Thank you ladies for filling in for us, you certainly fit right in and looked right at place on the diamond. 2 from 2 on day one – 19 runs for, 1 against.
Day 2 we had a full complement of players and were able to get them all on the diamond. We won our first game and despite leading the 2nd game 7-5, we ran out of time and Renegades served up our first loss of the weekend. 30 runs for, 6 against – our bats were firing and our 3 pitchers were dominating with our defence showing signs of 25 odd years ago!
Day 3 was an early start for us and historically we have a way of playing an 8am game. But…this time we were switched on, however Renegades were too strong and we went down 4-2 and had to play off against Giants to make the Grand Final. Brisbane Giants beat us in the Div 1 Grand Final in 2023 so we were eager to avenge. Initially, our bats were quiet, but our pitcing and fielding kept us in the game. One inning explosion by the Giants had them leading us 4-1 with out last turn at bat coming up. We had to dig deep, or else our campaign was over. And dig deep we did, finding the hits when we needed it to scrape through to the GF with a 5-4 win.
Grand Final – it was apt that we met Renegades again; the games we have had over the years have always been hard fought and the GF was no exception. Pitching was tight, and the fielding was outstanding, meaning both sides were unable to unleash. Runners, on both teams, may have made base but they were left stranded by the aforementioned pitching and fielding. We took a lead 2-1 and had to hold tight while Renegades threw one last effort at us. We held firm and for the first time since 2017, we were able to claim the Div 1 Championships. 41 runs for and only 13 against, and a Gold Medal – oustanding effort by our hitters, pitchers and fielders.
A great weekend for our Masters Charity team on the diamond and we thank them and congratulate them on the team effort to bring home the gold…Allison Waters, Cara Rennie, Cheryl-Lea Godfrey, Karen Sala, Keri McCracken, Amanda King (or King Amanda?!?), Megan Misso, Melanie Roche, Micaela Harrington, Nic Bennett, Poppy Ditchburn (our umpire (our biggest thanks to you!!)), Sheridan Darroch, Kelly McKellar-Nathan, and Karyn Foxover. Shout out too to our officials – we couldn’t do it without you – Tracey Pollock (Scorer (alongside her little sidekick Lucy B)) and Stacey Porter (coach). Thanks too to our supporters, you are always there!
BUT, we all know this weekend is not just about playing, although to be honest it is always the fun part, catching up with friends and being with your people, it is also about fundraising for our cause. Our partner Softball Queensland have opened the portal so when registering, people can also donate when paying their match fees. With that we made an incredible $4,108 and we want to thank each and eveyone of you that donated! We won’t know your names ( a little thing called confidentiality) but know we are so so grateful to you all.
We have some wonderful donors that choose to donate directly to us, some might say, the old fashioned way. We are forever grateful to you and simply love how much our community supports our work.
Tan Aunties and Uncles (with #teamp4ac)
Dodgers
Aunty Emma’s Moongalba
Suncoast Flickers
Brisbane Fusion 35s
Demons
Young Devils
Lygers
And to Carrie Rose, our board member, and 10+ year member of the team (and newest life member alongside Cheryl-Lea Godfrey). Every year you drop such a significant donation to us and we simply do not have enough words, except to say thank you and we love you!
Year 15, still going strong, and with this event at SQ Masters, our charity has now raised at the SQ Masters alone….. $54,496! It’s all down to Softball. What a sport, and what people we have – we are truly lucky to be a part of this community!
Leigh
#TEAMP4AC
PS. A bit of fun and reminiscing = Then (2010) verses now (2024)
Our first P4AC team
Smacks, Marty, Shez and Frecks
