2009 League - Manchester Division 1
The 2009 season is under way and the Lions start off by leading the table!
22/04/09 – Mets vs Lions (Mets Lose 24-3)
Lions continue roaring start!
Before coming on to this weeks game we'd just like to make a quick note about the cover of last weeks Review. In our game against the Mavs they weren't playing a "much weakened team" and they certainly didn't play with one short (they had subs). On the other hand, one win doesn't really qualify as a New World Order, but we'll take the positives!
To this week and a really pleasing performance against the Mets. We introduced Oscar and Ben to MSL and they both made outstanding debuts. Ben hit a bases clearing 3 RBI double and Oscar went one better and hit a grand slam!
Overall the team played strongly and enjoyed the game despite a horrendous ‘sun in eyes' outfield that caused both teams difficulty. The Mets never quite got going despite some big hits to score homers, they'll certainly play better this year.
Our training does seem to be paying off and everyone's focus and concentration in addition to another strong batting performance ensured that the new Ice Cold machine rumbled on!
Written by: Lion on the beach.
22/04/09 – Lions vs Mavericks (Lions Win 16-2)
Fact: The Mavs are the only current 1st division team the Manchester Lions have never beat in a softball league game (not counting the More Lions who we've never played in the league). The closest ever game was when we lost 14-13 on 2nd July 2008.
With this in mind we put out a strong team and went into the game ready to change history!
From the very first innings "we were supreme" (quote: Gordon). Fielding first and with the help of TWO perfect double plays by Lee, we shut out the Mavs in their opening innings and scored 2 runs, instantly putting the pressure back on them. The Mavs fielding wasn't particularly bad considering the state of the pitch (extremely bumpy and hard) but our fielding and batting was faultless. On several occasions we batted around the order. We did let the Mavs score 2 runs but this was from a big right field home run so we're not too worried.
Lin's took a great running catch in the outfield and Adam's grand slam towards the end of the match was a major boost for the whole team. I think we can safely say that Lee has got over his pre-season slump by playing a faultless match from start to finish. Beating the Mav's 16-2 with a bat in hand was a great result in a game that we were 1 run off a mercy in. Over the moon with the result we went to the pub only to find out xmas had come early with the Dodgers beating the Sox. Just one word.. KARMA!
Well done everyone and thanks to Ben and Felix for coming along to support us.
Next week it's the Mets! Can't wait!
Ed.
