FALCONS-SAPS softballers opened the season on a winning note when they defeated Old Mutual Cubs 2-0 in the Western Province Super League competition.
The victors’ success at the Turfhall Stadium in Crawford was marked by the superb play of their national players, namely pitcher Nicki Jones, infielder Kim Nicholson, outfielder Lindsay Vercueil and outfielder Joe-Anne Philander.
Jones allowed two hits and a walk in five innings. She received fine support from Nicholson and Celeste Phillips, who shared a double play, while Philander and Vercuiel dealt confidently with Cubs’ scattered outfield hits.
Former Falcons infielder Candice Stevens and Wendy Petersen recorded Cubs’ safe hits. However, Stevens was put out in the double play and Vercuiel’s spot-on peg to Nicholson cut short Petersen’ desperate attempt to reach second base safely.
The fact that no Cubs player reached second base safely should be a worry for former SA player Tanya Price, who has taken over the coaching reins from Colin Stevens.
Vercuiel batted 3-3 while Jones and Marks each batted 2-3 for Falcons, with Vercuiel and Jones’ hits accounting for the match-winning runs in the third inning.
Cubs pitcher Lindsay Erasmus fanned four batters and allowed seven hits and two walks.
In another Super League match, promoted Trendsetters drew 3-3 with St Martin’s.
Tanta have meanwhile indicated they will retain their Super League status, after considering a drop to the Major League. The situation resulted in Tanta defaulting to Westridge Yankees, the defending league champions on Saturday.
Other results
Major League
Tygerberg 7, VOB 0; Ridgeville 12, Battswood B&S 4; Westridge Yankees 12, Battswood 0.
First Division
Kenfac Phillies 12, Ottery 6; Kuils River Cougars 10, Belhar Dolphins 5; Westridge Yankees 9, Avendale 8.
Second Division
Devonshire 21, St Andrew’s Dodgers 15; St Martin’s 8, Trendsetters 3.
Third Division
Battswood B&S 7, Heideveld Yankees 0.
Fourth Division
Normies 10, Heideveld Yankees 10; Battswood 13, Fish Hoek Dolphins 9; N&A Academy 10, Albertons 6.