Thunder edge thriller to reach National Play-Off Semi-Final
New Forest Thunder are through to the BBF National Play-Off Division 5 Semi-Final after a dramatic 10–9 victory over the Plymouth Mariners. It was a rematch of the regional championship game, as the Mariners made the trip to Gang Warily this past Saturday. And while the SWWBL Final was a high-scoring affair, this game was much tighter, with both defences on top of their game. After a scoreless first inning, the Mariners struck first in the second, taking a 2–0 lead. Thunder made a strong reply at the plate, scoring five runs and ending the inning by rule for the only time in the game. Kieran Jewell started the momentum. After reaching on a throwing error, he quickly stole two bases and then scored on a single from Nath Tew. Tew scored himself a few minutes later, tying the game. Thunder were two down, but continued pressure led to another throwing error, scoring a third run. Hits followed from Shaun Barrett, Doug Sutherland and Chad Tew, the last of which scored the fifth run. It was an inning that would prove vital later in the game. The visitors responded with two runs in the second and another in the third, before Thunder added two more in the fifth to keep the game finely balanced. Some great pitching from both Thunder’s Chad Tew and Mariners’ Keith Day kept things tight. Day finished with just five earned runs, four strikeouts and only one walk. Meanwhile, Tew struck out an incredible 16 batters, taking him to 68 for the season, the second-highest total in Division 5. Thunder added another run in the seventh, but the Mariners responded with two of their own to leave the game tied at 8–8 at the end of the scheduled seven innings. The game went to extra innings, and the eighth inning produced yet more drama. The Mariners scored once to move ahead 9–8, leaving Thunder needing a big response. They got it. Mariners’ Cameron Donkin came to the plate with a .517 season average, two down and a man on third. After a mound visit from Manager Doug Sutherland and Catcher Mitch Sullivan, Thunder decided to intentionally walk Donkin. It proved a wise move, as Tew struck out the next batter to end the inning. Under WBSC rules, extra innings begin with players on first and second base. When Bryan Barry drew the only walk of the game from the Mariners pitcher, the bases were loaded and the winning run was on second, with nobody out. An unfortunate balk scored Simon Schwarz to tie the game and moved the winning run to third. A tapper of a hit from Leigh Froud saw him sprint for first. In the hectic atmosphere, the Mariners catcher attempted the throw to first. It was wayward, and Sam Williams ran in from third to win the game, securing a 10–9 victory and sending Thunder into the Division 5 National Play-Off Semi-Final. The club wants to thank everyone who came down to support the team, and the Plymouth Mariners for being part of a special occasion. After the game, manager Doug Sutherland commented that it was a tight game and that both teams deserved to progress. Thunder will now face Guildford Millers in the Semi-Final at Farnham Park next Saturday, 19 September, with first pitch at 2:30pm. Another big game awaits.