Game 1
Despite the cold weather, the Dukes were hard at it from the off, taking a 3-0 in the first inning. Leo Sakai-James, Richard King & Adolfo Yanes snagged fly balls in the first inning to set the defense tone. Richmond added 4 runs in the 3rd inning and 5 more in the 5th running out eventual winners 12-4 when the umpire called time. Opening pitcher JP Pasterino struck out 5. Adolfo topped the run scoring, going 3/4, with Dean Coupar, Richard & Leo adding a brace each.. Jarrd Thomas, Drice Hellal & manager Bill Varon adding runs. Hit of the day went to Leo, a 2 RBI triple. A good, solid start with a strong defense anchored by Tom Smith at 1B with all players contributing in both defense, base running & offense.
Starting line up: Daniel Kok (SS), Dean (C), JP (P), Aldolfo (CF), Richard (LF), Tom (1B), Leo ( 3B), Jared (RF), Drice (2B). Bench: John Walmsley, Alex Freund, Evan Bates, Bill
Game 2
Leo took to the mound in a faster paced match and tight pitching duel. After numerous strike outs, the Dukes finally scored runs in the 3rd with Alex opening the scoring, Leo & Dean adding to the score. The infield were kept busy with Evan coolly stopping runners from advancing and John now in the thick of the action on first. Bracknell replied with 2 runs in their next two inning, JP, Adolfo & Richard added more runs as the inning passed by. Leo stole home in the 6th to leave the score 7-4 going into the final inning. Bracknell found their mojo and loaded the bases with no outs before scoring 2 runs on a ground rule double with 1 out .The Dukes held their nerve to close out the match ending it with a tag out at home and a grounder to the pitcher.. Daniel put in a great performance in the infield, as all rotated players contributed to the team effort.
Starting line up: Leo (P), Dean (C), JP (SS), Adolfo (CF), Richard (LF), Daniel (3B), Evan (2B), Alex (RF), John (1B). Bench: Jarred, Drice, Tom, Bill