Softball Update

Oct

2018

Super League: VOB 5, Tantasport 9

After a dismal pre-season, we would have been satisfied to just put a team on the field, but we put in a solid, committed performance. And had it not been for two mistakes (not judgement related) by the relatively inexperienced umpires we might have ended up as victors.

Meghan pitched fairly well to Tracey, who did not look like someone who had hardly caught in a decade. The left side of our field failed to cope with difficult visual condition, the sun being low and bright, but we coped well with balls hit to the right.

Our offense was a bit patchy yet potent at times; failure to string hits together at the end hurt us. Mercedes, Tracey, and Carmenita all came up with key hits, keeping us constantly in the game.

Second League: VOB 2, Khayelitsha Super Stars 11;
6 players at seven on Saturday morning became a possible 10 at one, slipped to 7 at two, finally settled at 9 at ten past two, 7 of then juniors. And we started off playing that way, lethargically and (simple) error-prone.

When we woke up it was too late, though a last-inning rally could had radically reduced the deficit were it not for a base-running mistake. Manisha, Hannah and Zoe each had two hits.

Thanks to Chiamaka, Michelene, Nawaar, and Zahra to come to the game without any pre-season preparation.

No Comments From the DugoutSoftball

MLR succumb to the Sig

Oct

2018

The VOB Macaws reserves took on the reserves of the Bothasig Knights at the Chucker Road sports complex.

For VOB it was a bit of déjà vu as they let a commanding lead slip in the second half of the game, like they did the previous week, to hand the opposition the win. VOB opted to forfeit the points to allow Jayde Thorne to play so he could shake off some rust before representing South Africa in the inbound series against the French national team.

VOB started with Naeem Dollie on the mound. He kept Bothasig scoreless in the first inning and while VOB also failed to score. Dollie felt some discomfort in his shoulder and was replaced on the mound by Jayde Thorne at the top of the second. He restricted Bothasig to 2 runs in 3 innings while VOB scored 7 runs to take a 7-2 lead into the top of the 5th inning.

At the top of the 5th the heat got to Thorne as he conceded 3 more runs and left the bases loaded when Matthew Darius came on to relieve him. A series of unforced errors by VOB and some decent hitting by Bothasig saw them accumulate 10 runs in the final 2 innings. VOB was unable to score runs in the last few innings ending the game 7-12 in favour of Bothasig.

No Comments 2018 11 27From the DugoutMajor League Reserve

10’s deal with the heat and Bothasig

Oct

2018

U10’s played Bothasig on Saturday and won the game 15 – 3.

The boys took the field and restricted Bothasig too only one point in the first frame, good fielding and stopping in the diamond by Caleb Abrahams at second and Rustum De Bruyn and Donovan Pietersen at pitcher made the pegs to first base look easy where Zeake Seller took 5 outs on 1st base, the boys then restricted their opponents to no runs in the second and third frame.

Donovan Pietersen took 4 brilliant catches at pitcher position, Caleb Abrahams took 6 catches at second and Rustum De Bruyn 2 at short stop. The boys batted well this week against Bothasig. Zeake Seller impressed me with his catching on first base taking 11 catches in the game. Well done boys you deserved that win. 👏👏👏

[Show slideshow]

1 Comment 2018 11 27From the DugoutUnder 10

15’s dig deep after ‘Sig fight back

Oct

2018

A very excited u15 side were at the field bright and early on Saturday for their first home game of the season. Still running on a high after the previous week’s, almost flawless performance.

A tough decision had to be made by the coaching staff as it’s never easy when there are 16 players in the squad.
The starting 9 got off to a bit of a “shaky” start conceding a run in the top of the 1st frame. After getting went to bat, easily scoring the max 5 runs.

Unfortunately, the top of the 2nd frame was to be no different than the first and the outs only came after another 2 runs were conceded. Our 2nd turn at bat proved to be a bit more difficult than the 1st as we were not able to score any runs.

It was only in the 3rd frame after a few changes were made that we buckled down on the field and managed to get all the outs without allowing in any runs. With only a 2-run lead, we needed to put a few more runs on the board but this wasn’t to be the case. Bothasig pulled together and shut down VOB’s innings easily, with no runs being scored.

Bothasig then did the unexpected and came back in the last frame to equal the score, which had all our players quite worried. Some disciplined VOB batting and fantastic base running. to capitalize on the very few errors made by Bothasig, saw VOB score 3 more runs before the game was called as we had reached our time limit. VOB 10 – 7 Bothasig

Thanks to Kevin, who selflessly umpired our game despite it being his birthday. Much appreciated!

No Comments 2018 11 27From the DugoutUnder 15

U12 beat down Bothasig in the heat

Oct

2018

This week the u12s got to play yet another game in the blistering heat. This time though we were much better prepared and it showed from the start of the game.

Starting pitcher Jaedon Jonathan did a sterling job and set the tone but sitting down 9 of 11 batters he faced ( 63 pitches 3 innings , 4 K’s 2 BB’s No hits and 1 run scored ) Storm Doyle came on and shut them down for 2 innings ( 28 pitches , 2 Ks 1 BB) Caleb Bell came on in the last and closed it down for the home team by striking out 3 of the batters he faced ( 14 pitches , 3 K’s).

Mention must go to Nur Scello for his hard work behind the plate (catcher) and for catching the whole game in the heat and throwing a runner out at second base from his knees. On this day our defense was amazing with the infield making all the plays that came to them. Talun with 2 assists and one catch, storm with 3 assists and one catch, Fayaad filling in at second with one assist while Riley and Dante splitting time at 1st base handling all the balls that was thrown at them! on the batting side I was even more proud of our players as the battled in the box against 2 hard throwing pitchers by scoring 2 runs in the first inning then 5 runs in the 3rd inning .

When Bothasig brought their second pitcher on it and he was throwing harder than the first pitcher we knew it was going to be tough. But we battled again and got on base quite a bit against him .

Jaedon Jonathan 2 for 3 ( 2 singles , 1 BB and 2 stolen bases) Talun Davies 1 for 2 ( Double and 2 walks 1 Stolen base) Caleb Bell 0 for 0 ( 3 BB and 4 Stolen bases) Nicolas 0 for 0 ( 1 BB 1 HPB 2 Stolen bases ).

Special thanks must go to Thomas ( Father of Nicolas) who helped me as our first base coach while our assistant Coach Jean was on Concert Duty this weekend. More special thanks to all the parents that donated for our team braai that happened after the game , hopefully we can have another one next home game and have more kids down as they had a great time. Thank you to Stanton ( Jaedon’s dad ) and Brandon (Dales dad) for braaing and feeding the kids.

No Comments 2018 11 27From the DugoutUnder 12Weekly Roundup

VOB U18 In Comeback Win vs Bothasig 3 – 4 (W)

Oct

2018

Two final innings rbi triples takes VOB U18 over the line

(W 2 – L 0)

Another hot still Saturday morning saw an evenly matched VOB and ‘Sig U18 face each other. After last season’s come from behind win at Bothasig both sides were anticipating another tough battle.

Luke Budler started well with a strikeout, then walked the next two. With runner’s at the corner’s aggressive running by Sig, and smart play by VOB’s infield saw an out in a run down between 3rd and home. Budler then closed down any further danger with the second of his eight K’s. A fielder’s choice and a hit to the right side of the diamond saw VOB put a runner on 3rd, but good pitching from Sig closed down our hitting. 0 – 0.

Two strike outs and a groundball saw Sig retired, and VOB up to bat again. Two none down walks set up an opportunity for VOB U18, only for a missed signal, resulting in a popped up bunt to the pitcher, and two strike outs, to see no runs scored. 0 – 0.

Budler then dominated the next Sig innings with 3 K’s. With the top order up again VOB looked to get things going as Luke November drove a middle infield single through the gap left by Sig shifting for a pull. Budler then singled to left field. With runner’s one and two, and none down, some overambitious running saw an out at 3rd. A walk saw runners a 1st and 2nd again, but a broken bat fielder’s choice and a K saw the game tied at 0 – 0 going into the 4th.

With Budler at 62 pitches and facing the meat of the Sig order this was going to be a moment in the game to watch. A walk, a “Texas Leaguer” landing just beyond 2nd base, a K, and a walk saw Budler give way to lefty Kian Afrika. Bases loaded, one down, and 0 – 0, was a tough ask. A good contest ended in an rbi walk and Sig were ahead. A K for the second out and it looked like the damage had been limited, but, with the hitter looking to stretch the count, another walk saw a second run come in. Kian then recovered get the third out. Facing the bottom of the VOB order the Sig pitching stayed on message and three K’s saw VOB 2 – 0 down.

Kian looked to back on track starting the fifth with a K, but then worked too fine and gave away a walk. A balk saw the Sig runner on 2nd , and a good jump saw him steal 3rd. A walk was followed by a ground ball to the right of the diamond and Sig were 3 – 0 ahead. A K closed out their hitting turn. With the clock winding down and facing 9, 1, 2 Sig let their effective rightie starter, who was sitting on a shut out, stay in. a K saw them two outs from the W. Budler drew a walk and Sig brought in their leftie to close. Two wild pitches saw Luke open the scoring for VOB. Matthew Blows, in for Keegan (injury) then drew the walk and VOB had the tying run on. Cleanup Jordyn Riffel then did his job and smashed a triple into deep left to tie up the game. Up stepped Seth Beukes. His walk off triple into deep centrefield settled the matter. 3 – 4.

Coach’s comment – Consistent hard swings paid off. A good game to win, but some work to do.

Batting: Seth Beukes 1 – 2 (triple), 1 IBB, 1 rbi; Jordyn Riffel 1 – 3 (triple), 2 rbi’s; Luke November 1 – 1, 1 bb, 1 HP; Luke Budler 1 – 2, 1 bb.

Pitching: Luke Budler 3.1 innings, 8 K, 1 hit, 5 bb, 2 runs, 2 earned; Kian Afrika (W) 1.2 innings, 4 hits, 4 bb, 1 runs, 1 earned.

1 Comment From the DugoutU18Weekly Roundup 2018 Oct 27ReviewsU18

ML vs Bothasig 0-17

Oct

2018

Our home opener and the boys just never rocked up to play. From the very first inning we gave away walks and made errors and it never stopped till the end of the game. Macaws started with lefty Damian Perkins hoping to have a few pitchers stretched out over the next few weeks and hopefully make Bothasig something different. However walks, errors and one or two hits cost us big time today.

We faced SA pitcher Jared Elario who has been preparing for months for the French series and it showed. He mowed down our hitters with pace and precision. When we did get on base we could not capitalize.

With a very young team we will have good games and bad ones. Today was one of the latter. Now for our young boys to show character and start all over again next week.

Kevin Mullins and young Luke Budler got their first taste of ML baseball with Mullins also getting his first ML hit. Budler was comfortable in the outfield and ended the day playing all three outfield positions between u18,MLR and ML today.

No Comments FixturesFrom the DugoutMajor League 2018 Oct 27MajorsReviews

Masters vs Battswood, 12-2.

Oct

2018

It was a scorcher in Cape Town today as we took on out neighbours. Unfortunately some guys mistook the field for Athlone baths as there was lots of diving going on. Some guys took a dive into the ball, some guys took a dive next to the ball. And it soooo was not pretty. Hadley and Overs doing most of the diving looked like they saw perlamoen somewhere on that field.

Owen and Haliem looked really classy as a 72 year old struck them out with minimal effort. The man could hardly walk. Haliem may have moved one or two vertebrae as he swung into nowhere. Our pitching was great as Hadley and Glen shared the day. Our Newby Rafael Nadal started the game a little nervous but gave us quite a performance after the game which will long be remembered.

We are still having a problem with our leadoff spot as Kulpy got given the spot but struggled a bit as he hit someone the night before with his knee. Welcome back to all the guys who played their first game. Overall lots of laughter and a good afternoon in great company. Oh and Wayne still has a lam boud. 😂

No Comments 2018 10 20From the DugoutMasters

VOB U18 Win Season Opener At Bellville

Oct

2018

VOB U18 Win Season Opener At Bellville at PP Smit Stadium, Bellville. 14 – 5 (W)

Eight hits from seven batters

(W 1 – L 0)

Saturday saw the first round of the U18 league at a windless and hot PP Smit Stadium. VOB U18 came up against Bellville U18 , second in the standings over the past two seasons, but currently in a rebuild phase.

A hit to the opposite side, extended by an error, saw leadoff Luke November on third. An infield error saw him score. Good contact then saw Luke Budler move around the diamond, and score on a fielder’s choice to the right of the diamond by Seth Beukes. Budler, in his first stint on the U18 mound, put the first two runners on with walks. A pop fly, and a base running error, saw Bellville two down, and the innings was finished with the first of 6 strikeouts by Budler. 2 – 0.

A two down walk at the top of the VOB U18 order, and a double by Budler, followed by double from lefty Keegan Hickley, saw Luke and Budler again scoring. Following an opening hit by pitch, Budler then steadied himself and delivered three bottom order K’s. 4 – 0.

2 walks, and a double by Shak Jattiem saw two runs scored and Bellville pull their experienced starting pitcher. A 2 – 0 count drive by Zinedine Rocks, a walk, and a double by Luke November saw Shak and Zinedine score. Two more walks then saw 9-hitter Alec Adonis walked in for the 5th run, and compulsory side away. A well taken fly to short stop, and two K’s bracketing a walk, saw Budler again wrap up the Bellville innings in short order. 9 – 0.

A hit by pitch, a walk, and a double from Seth Beukes, saw Jordyn Riffel score. Two more walks saw Josh Adonis cross the plate, and a second pitching change. An error then saw Seth score, and Jared Riffel, (U15) in for Luke at catcher, drove in Shak, Zinedine and Alec (with Alec’s run not counting due to the 5 run compulsory side down rule). Budler then gave way to Josh on the mound, who struggled with control. A walk turned into a run on a dropped fly. Two further walks turned in two runs on a well hit line drive down the third base line. Finally an out on a ground ball to the pitcher. Then the 5th run came in a well hit drive between third and short stop. This time we were saved by the 5 run compulsory side away – the first time since the last game of the 2016/17 season. 14 – 5.

Coach’s comment – good aggressive start with the bat. Good tight pitching from Luke Budler. Some mental errors. Some nerves. We will get better.

Batting: Luke November 2 – 2 (double), 1 bb, 2 rbi’s; Jared Riffel (U15) 1 -1(triple), 3 rbi’s; Keegan Hickley 1 – 2 (double), 1 bb, 4 rbi’s; Seth Beukes 1 – 2 (double), 1 bb, 2 rbi’s; Shakeel Jattiem 1 – 2 (double), 1 bb, 2 rbi’s; Luke Budler 1 – 2 (double), 1 bb, 1 rbi; Zinedine Rocks 1 – 2 (double), 1 bb, 1 rbi; Alec Adonis 0 – 2, 1 bb, 1 rbi.

Pitching: Luke Budler (W) 3 innings, 6 K, 0 hit, 3 bb, 0 runs, 0 earned; Josh Adonis 0.1 innings, 2 hits, 3 bb, 5 runs, 4 earned.

No Comments From the DugoutU18 2018 Oct 20ReviewsU18

VOB pull off the unlikely with a stunning win vs Bellville.

Oct

2018

ML VOB vs Bellville 20-10-2018

Our opening game of 2018 was a road trip to PP Smit sports complex to face Bellville Tygers. Tygers have been a force over the last few seasons, but have not planned well for the future and I have seen the cracks started showing over the last two seasons. However, with the Macaws in their rebuild phase, Tygers would still be the favourites, especially at home.
Tygers had their SA pitcher, Kevin Townend, on the hill while the Macaws surprised by giving the ball, and his ML debut on the hill, to Jesse Johnson. Townend (3 IP, 3 hits, 2 BB’s, 2 K’s) and Johnson (3.1 IP, 2 hits, 1 BB, 2 K’s) had a good duel going for 2 innings before the Macaws exploded for 5 runs in the 3rd inning to rattle the Tygers.

Tygers replaced Townend with young Marcel Steyn, but he could not stop the bleeding and allowed a further 3 runs in the 4th inning before settling down. Steyn (3 IP, 3 hits, 4 BB’s, 3 K’s) was later replaced by Russel Olivier (3 IP, 6 hits, 2 K’s) who also gave up two runs in his stint on the hill.

The Macaws, meanwhile, looked to stay ahead and cause an upset. Johnson was replaced by newcomer, Damian Perkins, who happens to be the first lefty pitcher at VOB since Ruan Klink many years ago. Perkins (2.2 IP, 1 hit, 3K’s, 5 BB’s) managed to only give up 1 run, but was not as economical as he could have been. He did, however, manage to hold the lead before handing over to another newcomer, ex-KZN player Derrick Bayliss. Bayliss (3 IP, 5 hits, HBP, K) gave up 2 runs, but saw out the final 3 innings to give the Macaws a valuable opening Day win.

On the hitting front the Macaws surprised even more by outhitting a Tygers team ,that was minus a few players, 12-8. Bayliss had a dream debut going 3-3 (BB, SH, RBi) while Zubair Larney (2RBi’s), Jody Burch (RBi), Luke November (RBi) accounted for the runs scored in this game. As great as the result was VOB will have to be more clinical when runners are in run-scoring position as they left 13 on base.