New Forest Thunder completed a dominant double-header sweep, defeating their opponents 26-8 and 25-6 in two shortened contests.
The Thunder bats were in full voice from the opening innings of Game One. After falling behind 4-3 in the first, the visitors quickly took control, scoring five runs in the second and adding three more in the third. Mitch Sullivan provided one of the standout moments of the game with a three-run inside-the-park home run, while Bryan Barry drove in three runs with a bases-clearing triple.
Thunder continued to pile on the pressure throughout the middle innings. Shaun Barrett, Simon Schwarz, Chad Tew and Nath Tew repeatedly reached base and caused havoc on the bases, while Ben Martin contributed a two-run triple and finished with multiple RBIs. A five-run fourth inning stretched the lead before a huge ten-run fifth put the game beyond doubt.
Despite some bright moments from the opposition, including RBIs from Scott Morse and Connor Colman, Thunder’s offence proved relentless. Martin earned the win on the mound as Thunder secured a 26-8 victory.
Results
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taunton Pistols | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 2 |
| New Forest Thunder | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 26 | 18 | 4 |
The second game followed a similar pattern as Thunder once again overwhelmed their opponents with a balanced offensive display.
After edging ahead 1-0 in the opening frame, Thunder exploded for five runs in the second inning. Ben Martin, Shaun Barrett, Doug Sutherland and Nath Tew all contributed as the visitors combined patient hitting with aggressive baserunning to build an early advantage.
The opposition responded with three runs in the second and added two more in the third, but Thunder never allowed them to get closer. A three-run third inning and five-run fourth restored complete control before an eleven-run fifth inning ended any hopes of a comeback.
The top of the order once again led the charge. Chad Tew drove in multiple runs and scored several more, Simon Schwarz collected key RBIs, while Paul Edgson, Mitch Sullivan and Doug Sutherland all made significant offensive contributions. Barrett also delivered a two-run single during the decisive fifth inning rally.
Chad Tew picked up the win as Thunder completed the sweep with a 25-6 victory.
Results
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taunton Pistols | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 1 |
| New Forest Thunder | 1 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 25 | 19 | 0 |
Across the two games, Thunder scored 51 runs, collecting contributions throughout the lineup and showing impressive discipline at the plate. The sweep continues a strong run of form and provides plenty of momentum heading into the next fixture.
Elsewhere, New Forest Knights’ scheduled home double-header against Yeovil Whirlwinds was postponed due to unplayable field conditions. The Knights remain third in the Severn Division with a 3-3 record.
The Thunder travel to face second-placed Bristol Brunels next Sunday in a fixture that could have a major bearing on the division title race, while the Knights host Taunton Pistols.
Photos from Holden Reeves Photography.