Annual Report to VSA

Annual Report to VSA - 2009 / 2010 Season

The 2009/10 season began with our association being involved in the VSA state wide come'n'try promotion in early October. To promote the commencement of our upcoming season, 8500 softball shaped flyers were mail dropped to local households in Sale, Maffra, Stratford, Heyfield & Rosedale. VSA should be commended for showing the initiative in promoting a state come'n'try day for all affiliated associations.

Although there was not enough interest shown in the reformation of junior competitions, there was a definite need for senior recruitment, due to the loss of two teams from last seasons Open Mixed Twilight competition. With only teams TNT and Mariners, along with only three players from the disbanded teams returning from last season, the sessions were promising with a number of new faces, resulting in the formation of two new teams. Leanne Heywood formed a new team Odd Ball Out, with female players from the Grammar School and a family group new to the area. A fourth team, Hit N Run was also formed but disbanded only after a couple of games.

Faced with the prospect of a three team competition with a bye, it was instead decided to play double headers with a late game under lights. Although Odd Ball Out had a slow start, after a fourteen game season only three games separated third place from minor premiers Mariners. From this scenario any of the three teams could be premiers, with the best performing team on the finals night being victorious.

Odd Ball Out defeated TNT in the semi final 16-13 and so earned the right to play Mariners in the grand final. The final game was in the balance, until some Mariners big hitting by Keith Butterwick & Alex McDonald opened the margin, with Odd Ball Out playing catch up for the rest of the game. Good defence in the field and solid pitching by Keith Butterwick finally saw Mariners premiers, after being runners up in the previous two grand finals. Final score 16-11. The young Odd Ball Out team should be commended though for winning the semi final and then putting in a strong performance in the grand final.

A big thank you to Merle Short Service Award recipients Bev Beard & Jean Marriott for umpiring and also to Leonie Wilson for once again providing supper at the presentations.

It was proposed to revert the Slowpitch Corporate Challenge competition back to a short eight game season, but with only Water Rats & FCC Jiggles returning, it was decided a best of five finals series would be contested. Title holder FCC Jiggles won all of the four games played and so retained the perpetual trophy. Without new teams entering next season, it will be unlikely this competition will be played again.

Our association would like to welcome Sue Munn to the Executive Committee as vice president. Sue is also on the Sale Baseball Club committee, so it is hopeful that both organisations, who are struggling with membership numbers, can feed off each other and survive the current downward trend in both sports.

Ross Game

President

Wellington Softball Association.

Season Summary

Wellington Softball Association

Season 2009 / 10

Grounds Stephenson Park / Rotary Reserve

Committee

President Ross Game

Vice President Sue Munn

Secretary Eleanor Johnson

Treasurer Leanne Heywood

Registrar Ross Game

Publicity Officer Vacant

Social Secretary Vacant

Registrations

35 members (39 recreational, 1 representative, 1 official)

Teams

Open Mixed Twilight

As below

Slowpitch Corporate Challenge

As below

FINAL LADDERS:

OPEN MIXED

                                                           Won Loss Draw Washout Points

Mariners                                               6 3 3 1              32 104%

T.N.T                                                      6 5 2               28 114%

Odd Ball Out                                        3 6 3 1              20 86%

SLOWPITCH CORPORATE CHALLENGE

No ladder as only two teams entered - FCC Jiggles & Water Rats

FINAL RESULTS:

OPEN MIXED

Playoff for 3rd Odd Ball Out d T.N.T 16 - 13

Grand Final Mariners d Odd Ball Out 16 - 11

SLOWPITCH CORPORATE CHALLENGE

FCC Jiggles won the best of five final series 4-0

Season Highlights

Involved in VSA come'n'try promotion, 8500 flyers distributed.

Successful Christmas hamper raffle conducted.