The 2025 campaign will be remembered as a season of challenges, but also of growth, resilience, and lessons learned for both the Thunder and the Knights. While the final standings may not reflect the full story, the foundation has been laid for stronger seasons ahead.
For the Thunder, their debut year in the SWWBL’s brand-new Double-A division brought excitement, learning curves, and plenty of memorable moments. Despite a schedule disrupted by cancellations and forfeits, the Thunder still managed to make their mark with four victories. They opened the season in explosive fashion with a 20–9 victory over the Cornish Claycutters, capped by a towering three-run homer from Shannon Hall. Later, they delivered one of the league’s most unforgettable games, storming back with a nine-run rally in the bottom of the final inning to walk off the Bristol Bats, 17–16. Those flashes of resilience and power proved the Thunder can compete at this higher level — and with a year’s experience now behind them, the team looks well-positioned to turn potential into consistency in 2026.
The Knights, holding strong in the Severn Division at the Single-A level, also showed plenty of grit and determination throughout the year. Their lone victory came in thrilling fashion, when Lewis Kelly picked up the win in his first-ever pitching appearance during a 15–14 triumph over the Yeovil Whirlwinds in the second weekend of the season. Later, they produced a comeback for the ages, erupting for a 10-run final inning to earn a 19–19 tie against the Bristol Brunels. Narrow losses in several contests showed how close this group is to turning the corner, and their two hard-fought draws at season’s end proved the fight never left them.
Both clubs also leaned heavily on the strength of their wider rosters, with several standout storylines shaping the year. The Thunder called up Knights stars Chris Stickland, Doug Sutherland, and Kieran Jewell after strong performances in 2024, while mid-season promotions saw Simon Schwarz, Mitch Sullivan, and Amber Rainbird join the Double-A ranks as well. Meanwhile, the Knights found fresh energy in a wave of promising rookies, with Sam Powell, Ben Martin, Ernesto Ramos, Luke Callum, and Anna-Lisa Gailey all making their mark in their first season. Their contributions not only highlighted the depth of talent within the club, but also provided a glimpse into a bright future.
Taken together, the Thunder and Knights showed that the record book doesn’t capture the full story of 2025. With game-changing highlights already under their belts, young talent stepping up, and valuable experience gained at every level, both teams now look ahead to 2026 with momentum, belief, and plenty more highlight-reel moments on the horizon.