The Mob
Clapham Softball Club
The Mob vs Richmond Swingers on Tuesday 7th July at Clapham South
After a typical July day of thunderstorms and torrential rain, the Mob gathered for the most important game of the season so far.
Fellow strugglers the Richmond Swingers were in town for the proverbial 6-pointer.
The Mob suffered the early blow of losing Sarah H to over-running work commitments. This also meant that Andy would be out of the line-up, until star-supporter Mich 'Mitch' Antonik saved the day despite having no kit and no cleats, and can therefore legitimately take credit for all of Andy's 4 hits!
The first two half innings set the tone, with Richmond's first two hitters reaching base but neither scoring. And in reply the Mob scored 4 runs thanks to hits from Sam, Paul D (HR), Steph, Martin (HR). Richmond then took the lead in the next inning but the Mob were in no mood to let this get to them, storming back with 6 runs, with even pitcher Tom managing to find a hit to score Sarah G and Andy.
The hitting was consistent throughout and the Mob kept building the lead. Richmond changed their pitcher but the Mob were unfazed.
Sam was prolific with back to back 3-run homers in the 4th and 5th, scoring Dave and Jenny both times.
Paul D led off the 6th with a home run, later Trish and Dave combined with hits to score Tom.
But the defense was just as impressive.
Tom struck out two, including the opposing pitcher looking (which he was very pleased about). But the key was the Mob minimising mistakes, doing the basics well, and not being worried when runs were scored against them or by the highly experimental Richmond base-running.
There were some good saves by Steph at 3rd (relegated from CF due to inappropriate footwear!) and a textbook double-play by Martin, Dave, and Kendell.
Although it was MVP Jenny who almost single-handedly killed off any hopes the Swingers had. For some reason Tom had abandoned his game-plan of throwing strikes and walked the (2nd) pitcher with two outs. This loaded the bases but after making a great catch on a throw from the outfield from Martin, Jenny turned and took on the Swinger who was charging towards home... she stood her ground, made the tag, and stayed on her feet! There was much celebrating.
The Mob closed out victory (despite the opposing pitcher (1st) trying to lead off the inning after ending the previous one) with an excellent catch behind the stumps by Jenny.
Everyone played their part and buoyed by such an emphatic display of professionalism and teamwork they set off for the pub.
Captain, coach, and #1 fan Paul B had just parked up ready to celebrate until late... but was called away at the last minute for domestic duties!
Final Score: Mob 23 Richmond 9
by Tom
Fellow strugglers the Richmond Swingers were in town for the proverbial 6-pointer.
The Mob suffered the early blow of losing Sarah H to over-running work commitments. This also meant that Andy would be out of the line-up, until star-supporter Mich 'Mitch' Antonik saved the day despite having no kit and no cleats, and can therefore legitimately take credit for all of Andy's 4 hits!
The first two half innings set the tone, with Richmond's first two hitters reaching base but neither scoring. And in reply the Mob scored 4 runs thanks to hits from Sam, Paul D (HR), Steph, Martin (HR). Richmond then took the lead in the next inning but the Mob were in no mood to let this get to them, storming back with 6 runs, with even pitcher Tom managing to find a hit to score Sarah G and Andy.
The hitting was consistent throughout and the Mob kept building the lead. Richmond changed their pitcher but the Mob were unfazed.
Sam was prolific with back to back 3-run homers in the 4th and 5th, scoring Dave and Jenny both times.
Paul D led off the 6th with a home run, later Trish and Dave combined with hits to score Tom.
But the defense was just as impressive.
Tom struck out two, including the opposing pitcher looking (which he was very pleased about). But the key was the Mob minimising mistakes, doing the basics well, and not being worried when runs were scored against them or by the highly experimental Richmond base-running.
There were some good saves by Steph at 3rd (relegated from CF due to inappropriate footwear!) and a textbook double-play by Martin, Dave, and Kendell.
Although it was MVP Jenny who almost single-handedly killed off any hopes the Swingers had. For some reason Tom had abandoned his game-plan of throwing strikes and walked the (2nd) pitcher with two outs. This loaded the bases but after making a great catch on a throw from the outfield from Martin, Jenny turned and took on the Swinger who was charging towards home... she stood her ground, made the tag, and stayed on her feet! There was much celebrating.
The Mob closed out victory (despite the opposing pitcher (1st) trying to lead off the inning after ending the previous one) with an excellent catch behind the stumps by Jenny.
Everyone played their part and buoyed by such an emphatic display of professionalism and teamwork they set off for the pub.
Captain, coach, and #1 fan Paul B had just parked up ready to celebrate until late... but was called away at the last minute for domestic duties!
Final Score: Mob 23 Richmond 9
by Tom
The Mob Roster
Andy Stock, Dave Stock, Martin Harrod, Paul Duthie, Sam Gibb-Cohen, Tom Getgood
Jenny Sivapalan, Kendell Kennedy, Mich Antonik, Sarah Giles, Stephanie Hawkes, Trish de Souza
Man of the Match:
Jenny Sivapalan, Kendell Kennedy, Mich Antonik, Sarah Giles, Stephanie Hawkes, Trish de Souza
Man of the Match: