Sliders welcomed the Cubs to their new grounds at Dixon Playing Fields last night looking to get the new season underway with a win. It was a battle of last year’s third and second placed teams with Sliders looking to end a 4 game losing streak against the guys in purple. Unlike last time out, Sliders had a full roster plus subs with Laura and Emma D making their debuts in the outfield whilst the Cubs were playing shorthanded.
Despite the disadvantage they raced into an early lead, hitting into gaps and whilst the Sliders looked a little rusty in defence. Already 5 down, 3 home bats went up only to come back down straight away. In the 2nd innings things improved as the Sliders defence tightened whilst the Cubs bats lost their way. Catches began to stick and the infield stopped the runners scoring. Marian proved her warm up had worked taking a catch on first on the stretch whilst Jonny recovered from an early wobble in the first to start forcing plenty of easy pop up catches. With the bat the Sliders started to move up the gears. Tim and Marian hit well to get in position for Laura to hit her first RBI before Paul hit a triple for another.
In the third the Cubs got their last score of the game and the Sliders got 3 as the top of the order refound their form. Sliders drew level in the fourth and 2 more came in the fifth. Marian was unlucky to get tagged out on three driving in another rbi whilst Laura lost her way heading for home. The scoring ended there and a scrappy game ended 8-6 to Sliders. In the end it was solid performance with plenty of potential going forward. Next up we welcome the league champions the Brawlers to Dixon Park.
Line-up: Dan, Kirsty, Dave, Marian, Tim (Andrew), Laura, Paul, Emma D (Jay), John, Jonny.
Highs: Laura and Emma D making their Sliders debuts, strong hitting in from Marian, Tim and Paul and the defence pulling together to concede only 1 run after the first.