2025 Opening Day Results
Sunday April 6th was Opening Day for the South West & Wales Baseball League, with both our teams in action. The New Forest Knights returned to Single-A action for the second year with a trip to league newcomers Yeovil Whirlwinds. While The New Forest Thunder moved into Double-A for the first time in a brand new SWWBL Double-A division, hosting Cornish Claycutters for the first games at our new Gracelands Field at Gang Warily. Both teams handed out debuts too, with Grant Benham making his first start for the Knights, and Ryan Bartlett playing for the Thunder. Plus Chris Stickland and Doug Sutherland played their first games at Double-A having moved to the Thunder for the 2025 season. Thunder Open Season with Explosive Win in Gracelands Field Debut The Thunder kicked off their 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, earning a 20–9 victory over the visiting Cornish Claycutters in the inaugural game at their new home, Gracelands Field. Despite a bright start from the Claycutters, Thunder starter Bobby Samuelson quickly found his rhythm, recording his first strikeout of the season before inducing a double play to end the top half of the first inning. Samuelson then helped his own cause at the plate, driving in the Thunder’s opening run with a double. The hosts would tack on two more in the inning to take an early lead. Samuelson kept the momentum going with another clean inning in the second, bookended by a strikeout and a pair of groundouts. He continued to swing a hot bat, adding a second double in the home half, followed by another two-bagger from Rob Holbrook that extended the Thunder’s lead to 5–2. The Claycutters responded with a pair of runs in the third, capitalizing on smart baserunning to close the gap. But the Thunder answered back immediately, turning up the pressure with aggressive baserunning of their own. Their hustle forced defensive miscues from the Claycutters, allowing four more runs to cross the plate. The fourth inning brought fireworks on both sides. The Claycutters mounted a comeback with five runs on four hits and five walks, tying the game at 9–9. But the Thunder weren’t finished. In the bottom of the frame, the home side erupted for 11 runs, batting around the order with a relentless mix of base hits, stolen bases, and savvy baserunning. Shannon Hall, who had been hit by a pitch earlier in the inning, returned to the plate and capped off the rally with a dramatic three-run home run—the first in Gracelands Field history—sealing the walk-off victory under the mercy rule. It was a statement win for the Thunder and a memorable debut for their new ballpark, highlighted by Head Coach Shannon Hall’s historic blast. Thunder Fall Short in Game Two as Claycutters Take 15–6 Win The Thunder couldn’t replicate their earlier success in Game Two of the Opening Day doubleheader, falling 15–6 to the Claycutters. The visitors came out strong, scoring four runs in the first and following up with a dominant eight-run second inning, highlighted by doubles from Cruz Chourre and James Shaw. The Thunder managed just one hit in the opening frame—a double from Angus Blair—and were shut out in the second despite loading the bases. The Claycutters extended their lead with three more runs in the third, but the Thunder showed signs of life, plating five in the bottom half thanks to a flurry of walks and hit batters. A scoreless fourth for the Claycutters gave the Thunder a chance, but a quick three-out inning ended any hopes of a comeback. The loss leaves the Thunder 1–1 to start the season after a mixed Opening Day at Gracelands Field. Knights Fall Just Short in Season Opener Against Whirlwinds The Single-A New Forest Knights opened their 2025 campaign on the road with a high-scoring thriller, narrowly falling 16–15 to the Yeovil Whirlwinds in the league newcomers’ debut outing. The Knights set the tone early, with Andy Bashforth drawing a leadoff walk, swiping two bases, and scoring on Mitch Sullivan’s RBI single—the first hit of the game. That combination of patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning helped the Knights plate five runs in the top of the first. The Whirlwinds answered immediately, matching the five-run tally in their half, highlighted by a triple from Aiden Johnson. The second inning followed a similar script, with Bashforth again walking, stealing bases, and scoring, as the Knights knocked five singles and batted around for another five runs. But the hosts kept pace with three more singles of their own and added five runs, despite Knights pitcher Leigh Froud picking up his first strikeout of the season. Tied 10–10 entering the third, the Knights edged ahead with a four-run inning. Sullivan ripped an RBI double and scored on a single by player-manager Sam Williams, while Amber Rainbird picked up her first hit of the season. A close play at the plate and a strikeout left two runners stranded, keeping the score within reach. Yeovil responded with a two-out rally, capped by a two-RBI single from Andrew Vittles to put the Whirlwinds ahead 15–14 heading into the final frame. In the fourth, Bashforth led off for the fourth time and notched his first hit of the day, capping a perfect 1.000 OPS outing with three walks and eight stolen bases—including a daring steal of home. The Knights added one more run to tie the game but left the bases loaded after a pair of strikeouts and a groundout halted the momentum. Sullivan took the mound to close, quickly recording a strikeout, but a walk and a stolen base set the table for Johnson, whose single brought home the winning run. Yeovil walked it off 16–15 in a dramatic finish. Despite the loss, the Knights showed plenty of promise at the plate and on the basepaths in a game packed with offense and early-season excitement. Knights Overpowered in Game Two as Whirlwinds Complete Sweep The New Forest Knights couldn’t slow down the red-hot Yeovil Whirlwinds
Ground-Breaking News! New Forest Baseball breaks ground on a diamond at Gang Warily Recreation Ground.
The New Forest Thunder Knights have taken a huge step towards bringing a home for baseball to the New Forest. Entering their third season, New Forest Baseball Club have installed a diamond at Gang Warily Recreation Centre to provide a dedicated space for training and for games in the South West and Wales Baseball League (SWWBL). Gracelands Civil Engineering and Groundwork (Gracelands) kindly donated their time and resources to dig out the four bases and pitching mound, with members of the baseball club picking up the tools over the weekend to get the work completed. More than 20 of the current team turned out to be part of building the new home of New Forest Baseball, with New Forest Tea Co. providing refreshments. The team’s Fundraising Manager, James Knight, said: “When we started this club three years ago, we never could have foreseen the levels of success we’ve reached in such a short amount of time. From first year playoffs, to second year expansion into two teams, to a true home in our third year, our club just keeps growing. “None of this would have been possible without support from our players, families, friends, Fawley Parish Council, Gracelands, or our other sponsors and donors through the years. A massive thank you from all of us!” As a thank you to Gracelands, the field will be named “Gracelands Field at Gang Warily” for the inaugural season. It wasn’t just through support from Gracelands that the field was possible. The club managed to raise more than £2000 via crowdfunder over the winter break, with contributions from friends, family, and the wider baseball community. Ibstock Bricks also donated vital material for the building of the pitching mound. The field will host weekly training sessions on a Wednesday as well as games for both the AA New Forest Thunder and the Single A New Forest Knights. Opening Day for the British Baseball Federation is 6th April, with the New Forest Thunder kicking off their campaign in the AA League against the Cornish Claycutters. Come down as the first pitch at the new ground is thrown, and the first game of baseball is played at our new home. Notes:
2025 Fixtures Announced
The 2025 British Baseball season is fast approaching, and now we have confirmation of which leagues our teams will play in and who their opponents will be for 2025. New Forest Knights will continue at the Single-A level in the South West & Wales Baseball League; Severn Division. This year there will be no inter-divisional play and so the team will have games against Bournemouth Bears A, Bristol Buccaneers, Bristol Brunels, Cardiff Merlins A, Weston Jets and SWWBL newcomers Yeovil Whirlwinds. Knights open the season with a trip to Yeovil on Sunday 6th April on Opening Day, with the return fixture the following weekend. The Knights end the season with a trip to Bristol to play the Brunels on July 27th. Meanwhile the New Forest Thunder will play the 2025 season at the Double-A level, after having played at Triple-A in 2024. They join the newly formed SWWBL Double-A Division alongside Cardiff Merlins AA, Bournemouth Bears AA, Bristol Bats, Cornish Claycutters, Taunton Muskets and another newcomer to SWWBL; Wellington Khaki Sox. Thunder are at home for Opening Day, with the Cornish Claycutters being the first visitors to our new diamond at Gang Warily. Thunder’s final game will be on August 3rd when they travel to local rivals Bournemouth. One key date to look out for is Sunday July 13th; Derby Day! The Knights host Bournemouth Bears A at Gang Warily, and at the same time the Thunder travel to Bournemouth to play Bears AA. The full fixture list for both our teams can be found here: https://newforestbaseball.co.uk/fixtures/
ThunderKnights Crowdfunder Success
After launching a Crowdfunding campaign in late 2024, New Forest Baseball are thrilled to announced that the campaign has successfully raised the funds required to allow the build of a permanent home diamond. Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our players, their families, friends, and the wider community, we have reached our fundraising goal and are now set to build a dedicated baseball field at Gang Warily Recreation Centre. This milestone marks a huge step forward for the ThunderKnights, one of the fastest-growing baseball clubs in the UK. Since our inception, we have fielded two competitive teams and expanded rapidly, proving that baseball has a strong and passionate following in the New Forest. With this dedicated facility, we can provide a consistent, high-quality playing environment and continue to grow the sport within the community. But the hard work doesn’t stop here! The ThunderKnights will be rolling up their sleeves and putting in the labour to construct the field themselves, ensuring that every member plays a part in shaping the future of baseball in the New Forest. What’s Next? With the funding secured, work on the field will begin in the coming weeks, with the goal of having it ready for the upcoming season. This dedicated baseball diamond will not only benefit our current teams but will also allow us to explore new opportunities such as Youth Baseball, ensuring a bright future for the sport in our region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this campaign—whether through donations, spreading the word, or offering support in other ways. This is a momentous achievement for our club, and we can’t wait to take to the field and play on a pitch that we can finally call home. Thank you for making this dream a reality—see you on the field!
New Forest announced for Showdown by the Severn
New Forest Baseball is excited to announce that they will be sending a team to take part in Showdown by the Severn, a four team one-day tournament being held in Bristol on Sunday March 30th 2025. Joining the ThunderKnights will be Bournemouth Bears, hosts Bristol Baseball Club and newcomers to the South West & Wales Baseball League; the Yeovil Whirlwinds. The event is taking place at Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham and everyone at New Forest Baseball is looking forward to taking part. Baseball is (nearly) back!
New Forest Baseball Launches Recruitment Drive Ahead of 2025 Season
New Forest Baseball is inviting new players to come and try the great American pastime as they work on developing a permanent home. Following permission from Fawley Parish Council, the club will soon be installing a pitching mound and bases at Gang Warily Recreation Centre. This will give the Thunder Knights a permanent home in the New Forest, fulfilling one of the key ambitions that the club set out to achieve on their founding in 2022. With the sport set to be played at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and Major League Baseball continuing to play a yearly series in London, enthusiasm for the sport is growing across the UK. The British Baseball Federation now contains clubs from all over the UK, with the Thunder Knights predominantly competing against teams in the South West of England. As the preparation for the new field continues and baseball itself grows in popularity, the club is now recruiting for new players ahead of the 2025 season. No experience is required, although those that have played before are definitely welcome, equipment is available to borrow and thorough coaching is provided. Since its founding in 2022, New Forest Baseball has doubled in size with players joining from Southampton, Eastleigh and Winchester. To ensure the long term future of the club, more committed players are always needed. Anyone aged 16+ is welcome, with both men and women playing in both of the club’s existing teams. “As one of the new players that joined the Thunder Knights after their founding, I have been made to feel incredibly welcome. The chance to play an exciting and ever growing sport is something I have loved doing and I would encourage anyone thinking of trying something new to come and have a go.” New Forest Knights Co-Manager, Lewis Kelly The Thunder Knights are currently at the start of their pre-season training, using sports halls across the region to practice on a Sunday morning. During the season this will move to Gang Warily on a Wednesday evening. The club has entered the Thunder in the BBF’s AA division for the 2025 season, with the Knights continuing at the Single A level. For more details please contact us via Instagram, Facebook or by emailing info@newforestbaseball.co.uk.
ThunderKnights Launch Crowdfunder to Build Baseball Field in the New Forest
New Forest Baseball are launching a crowd funded to support their goal of building a brand new baseball field in the New Forest. Being one of the newest and fastest growing teams in UK Baseball, The ThunderKnights provide two welcoming, inclusive, and competitive teams based in the New Forest. Growing on the success of the first two seasons, which saw team numbers expand exponentially and the club fielding two teams last season, the team are looking to cement their place in British Baseball by building their own field. After fielding a ‘Triple-A’ team and a ‘Single-A’ Team in the South West & Wales Baseball League (SWWBL) 2024 season, the ThunderKnights look to field a Double-A and Single-A team this year and continue their on-field success. Earlier in 2024, Fawley Village Council approved the installation of a baseball diamond at Gang Warily Recreation Centre. Achieving this dream of building a home for baseball in the New Forest will help the ThunderKnights take their next steps by providing a consistent, quality area to play games and grow the sport. The dedicated field will be a huge step in providing quality baseball facilities to the New Forest community, with plans to continue to run two teams in the coming season and explore offering options for Youth Baseball. The team themselves are not only putting in commitment on the field through stellar play and sportsmanship, but the team members will be getting their throwing hands dirty by building the field themselves. This would not be possible without the support of our team members, their families and friends, and our wonderful sponsors. How can you help? Donations are currently being accepted on our Crowd Funder page which can be found at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/newforestbaseball, Any donations are a huge help in setting up a permanent home for baseball in the New Forest, and donations will be put towards the materials required to install a diamond, and any specialist labour required. Anyone interested in giving baseball a go, or playing for the team next year should contact the club via email at newforestbaseball@outlook.com or via any of the social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram or Facebook).
New Forest Baseball Continues to Grow as Season Ends
After a mixed season on the field, the New Forest Baseball club have continued with their mission of growing the sport in Hampshire and Dorset, with new members joining from across the region. The positive growth of the club mirrors the successful debut season of the New Forest Knights, the club’s Single A development side, which saw the vast majority of its players make their British Baseball debuts. After being dealt a late surprise double promotion by the British Baseball Federation, the AAA New Forest Thunder struggled against opponents with greater experience and depth. However, the whole squad continued to battle, with the last home game of the season against Cardiff providing a particular highlight for 2023’s Rookie of the Year, Amber Rainbird. Back in April, the Knights roared out to a 4-2 start, with wins against the Bristol Brunels and Bournemouth Bears showcasing the ability of key players such as Lewis Kelly, Ben Coxhill and Manager Sam Williams, whose walk off Home Run in week one was arguably the highlight of the whole season. A difficult stretch ensued, as the Knights faced three of the four South West and Wales League playoff teams either side of the away leg at the Brunels. Kieran Jewell’s walk off winner against the SWWBL’s Severn Division Champion Bristol Buccaneers was the midseason highlight – closely followed by home runs for Coxhill and a rejuvenated Eddie Donald. Two forfeits by the Cornish Pioneers boosted the Knights win total, as did a final day win against the Bournemouth Bears. With most of the team having not played a single inning of baseball prior to the season, eight wins, a team batting average of .347 and .999 OPS provides an incredibly strong basis for Williams and the team to build upon in 2025. Over a season in which they only faced three teams, the Cardiff Merlins, Bristol Badgers and Bracknell Inferno, the Thunder picked up seven wins as they were often overmatched at the plate and struggled for pitching depth when Chris Lawson, Shannon Hall and Al Banerjee weren’t available. However, despite a tough season, there were plenty of positives. Amber Rainbird picked up her first hit of the season in the Thunder’s last game, taking a pitch from Cardiff’s Eiki Ito through the shortstop and third base gap. Banerjee came incredibly close to a no-hitter against the Merlins in a midseason clash, and Bobby Samuelson tripled against Bracknell at Farnham Park. As the offseason kicks off, the club is moving forward with plans for a permanent home in the New Forest. Backed by a range of amazing sponsors, the Mailman’s Arms, Clayson Scaffolding, the International Sports Turf and the New Forest Tea co, the club also enters the autumn break in a much stronger financial position, ready for a successful 2025.
Huge Sponsorship Boost for New Forest Baseball
New Forest Baseball are delighted to announce Clayson Scaffolding as the latest company to sponsor the club. An incredibly generous sponsorship contribution from Clayson has helped to ensure the club has the funding to pursue growth and the further development of its existing players. With the cost of field hire and equipment a constant issue for clubs across the country, this latest sponsorship deal has helped the Thunder Knights to cover all match day hire through the 2024 season. In turn, this has allowed the reallocation of funds towards a prospective permanent home for the club, as well as much needed equipment such as balls and protective wear. New Forest Knights Manager & Club Treasurer, Sam Williams, said: “We’ve been very fortunate to have brought in some fantastic sponsors this season, which is testament to our players and the local community who are working hard to support the club. “Our goal from day one of the club was to make it sustainable and grow baseball in the New Forest and the surrounding region. Clayson’s support is invaluable and will help us achieve this goal, giving us a strong platform to finish this season and move in 2025.” Based in Dorset, Clayson Scaffolding provide services across the South West of England. With decades of experience, owner Leigh Cornick is more than happy to help with all things scaffolding, no matter how big or small the job is. On the field, the New Forest Thunder got back on track against the Bristol Badgers at the weekend, picking up a 6-2 win in their home opener. Chris Lawson pitched seven strong innings, striking out six and allowing only four hits throughout the full game. Bobby Samuelson made the play of the game with a stunning diving catch in the outfield, and the Thunder bats got to work with eight hits against the hard and fast pitching of Alex Martinson. A run of home games awaits the Thunder as they make up for a long spring on the road. Cardiff are next up, as they make the trip from South Wales on Sunday. ENDS
Thunderstruck – First AAA Win of the Season
The New Forest Thunder picked up their first win at the AAA level after an intense day of baseball in Cardiff on Saturday. Across two low scoring games the Thunder pitching duo of Chris Lawson and Shannon Hall gave everything they had to put the New Forest team in a position to take two wins against the Merlins. Sadly, the second game slipped away in the very last inning, but the show that both teams put on was a testament to the way they have stepped up two levels in 2024. Game one was all about the pitching display put on by Lawson as he struck out 11 and only allowed five hits through seven innings. In a characteristically determined performance, the Thunder starter got stronger as the game developed, striking out the final batter and stranding a runner in scoring position. Earlier in the matchup, the away side’s plate discipline and some timely hitting put six runs on the board through the first three innings. First inning RBIs for Lawson and Marcus Senior, along with a throwing error put three runs on the board, before Warren Doyle and Bobby Samuelson came into score in the second following a single to left field from Hall. Assured fielding from Rob Holbrook, Angus Blair and Hall helped seal the victory, with Lewis Kelly and Andy Swann also contributing on their AAA debuts as the New Forest side held on for a 6-4 victory. After a short break in the Welsh sun, the second game proved to be even tighter than game one. On the mound, Hall struck out twelve and only allowed three hits in a dominant display. However, the Thunder bats couldn’t quite back up their starter and the away side succumbed to a walk off 1-0 win after seven tense innings. Senior, Hall and Andy Moore put hits on the board to match the three from the Merlins, but the New Forest side couldn’t get the luck they needed as several well hit balls were excellently fielded by the Cardiff third baseman and centre fielder. With the game seemingly heading to extra innings, Nick South made his way around the bases after pinch running for Rhodri Cavell. With one out and the runner on third, Griffin Phillippi made enough contact to force the ball back past the mound and Lawson’s throw to Holbrook behind the plate couldn’t quite prevent the winning run from scoring. The New Forest Knights were also in action, as they made their first visit to Bristol to play the division topping Buccaneers. Strong hitting performances from Sam Williams, Ben Coxhill and Doug Sutherland weren’t quite enough to see the Knights come away with a win. However, Williams was upbeat despite the results, seeing a lot of positives, including some good pitching from Coxhill to finish the second game of the day. Game one saw the Knights rally around starter, Chris Stickland, several times as the Buccaneers were made to work at the plate and on the bases. Some good fielding from Coxhill and Sutherland limited the home side to one run in the second inning, before a rasping line drive double from Williams helped bring the Knights close. Eddie Donald and Dan Churchill added hits, as the away side had one of their best days at the plate of the season, but a strong Buccaneers lineup kept the line moving and walked away with a 15-5 win. It was much the same in the second game, where Williams and Coxhill hit well again, but the home side were able to take advantage of a number of walks to put the game beyond the reach of the Knights. Shaun Barrett added three runs to his stolen base total after a couple of walks, bringing his season tally to 17 and four behind Coxhill’s team leading 21. Jordan Snelling also got in on the stolen base action after drawing a fourth inning walk, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap as the home side ran out 20-6 winners. The Thunder return to Cardiff to face the Merlins again next Saturday, whilst the Knights return to Bristol for a crucial matchup with the Brunels.