New Forest Thunder finish national playoff run as runners-up
New Forest Thunder’s remarkable 2026 season came to an end on Sunday as they were beaten 16–9 by London Mastadons in the BBF National Play-Off Division 5 Final. After winning the SWWBL Division 5 Severn title and then progressing through the national playoffs with victories over Plymouth Mariners and Guildford Millers, Thunder arrived at the final looking to cap their season with a national championship. It was the Mastadons, winners of the London Mets Canal League, who made the stronger start, scoring twice in the opening inning before adding five more in the second to establish a 7–0 lead. Thunder responded immediately. Chad Tew and Kieran Jewell both walked to start the bottom of the second, with a combination of stolen bases, errors and disciplined hitting putting pressure on the London defence. Lewis Kelly and Shaun Barrett both brought runners home, while Sam Williams also scored as Thunder turned a difficult start into a three-run inning. The Mastadons extended their lead with two more runs in the third, but the Thunder were continuing to create opportunities on the bases as Mitch Sullivan singled and stole second. Thunder’s defence prevented Mastadons from extending their advantage further, limiting them to one run in the fourth and getting their first scoreless inning in the fifth, leaving the London side with a 10–3 advantage heading into the sixth. Then came the biggest scoring inning of the game. Mastadons put five runs on the board in the top of the sixth, taking their lead to 15–3 and putting Thunder under significant pressure. New Forest, however, refused to go quietly. They needed three runs to avoid losing on the Mercy Rule, but they each came to the plate fired up, determined to play the final inning of the game. Thunder produced a five-run response of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Kieran Jewell walked before Nath Tew reached on an error, and Sam Williams then singled to bring Tew home. Bryan Barry grounded out to bring Williams across, while further defensive errors and aggressive baserunning allowed Lewis Kelly, Shaun Barrett and Mitch Sullivan to score. With the inning eventually ending by the competition’s run rule, Thunder had cut the deficit to 15–8. The final, open inning, saw London add just one final run, but New Forest again showed their fighting spirit as they attempted to score the 9 runs needed to win. The team had scored 9 in an open inning before, and there was a ripple of belief that they could surprise the Mastadons. Kieran Jewell walked and advanced to third, before Nath Tew grounded out to bring him home and make it 16–9. Sam Williams was then hit by a pitch and stole his way around the bases, but Mets closed out the game before Thunder could mount another comeback. The final score was London Mastadons 16–9 New Forest Thunder. It wasn’t the ending Thunder had hoped for, but reaching the national final represents an outstanding achievement for a club that only entered its first season in 2023. From winning the SWWBL Division 5 Severn title, to beating Plymouth Mariners in the regional championship game, then overcoming the Mariners again in a dramatic national quarter-final before defeating Guildford Millers in the semi-final, Thunder’s playoff run took them all the way to the final day of the national competition. They leave the 2026 season as SWWBL Division 5 Severn champions and BBF National Play-Off Division 5 runners-up. A national final. A championship title. A season to remember.
New Forest Thunder reach National Play-Off Final with 12–9 victory
New Forest Thunder are through to the BBF National Play-Off Division 5 Final after a 12–9 victory over the Guildford Millers in Saturday’s semi-final at Farnham Park. Playing with a place in the Final at stake, Thunder produced another impressive offensive display, scoring in five of the seven innings and holding the Millers for four scoreless innings before holding off a late fightback from the Millers. New Forest made the perfect start, putting three runs on the board in the opening inning. Shaun Barrett and Doug Sutherland both reached base before Mitch Sullivan doubled to centre field to bring both runners home. Sam Williams then grounded out to bring Sullivan home and give Thunder an early 3–0 lead. Guildford responded with a run in the bottom of the first, but New Forest continued to apply pressure. Kieran Jewell opened the third inning with a single before stealing second, and Nath Tew followed with a double down the right-field line to bring him home. Sam Williams then singled to score Tew, before further runs came across as New Forest took advantage of defensive errors and Mitch Sullivan doubled to bring two more home. By the end of the third, Thunder had built a 8–1 lead. New Forest continued to find ways to score. Chad Tew reached on an error and eventually came home, after a pick-off attempt at first he was caught in a run down as he took off for second. Somehow, after what seemed like an eternity of running back and forth, he somehow found himself safe back at first. He then successfully stole second, then third, and eventually scored on another error. At the bottom of the fourth the Millers began to strike back. Joseph Sim also scored after reaching on a defensive error. Ben Burgess then doubled to score Ieuan Carney, followed by Zander Flores’ single to bring Burgess home. That brought the score to 9-4. Guildford threatened to fight their way back into the game, but Thunder’s defence and pitching kept them at arm’s length through the middle innings. New Forest created further opportunities with their aggressive running game. Lewis Kelly and Mitch Sullivan both reached base, with Sullivan being intentionally walked as Guildford attempted to limit his impact. It appeared to be in vain, as they failed to throw him out stealing second, which allowed Lewis Kelly to run home from third. After a scoreless sixth inning, Thunder added two more runs in the seventh inning. Shaun Barrett walked and advanced around the bases before scoring on a throwing error, while Mitch Sullivan added another run on a while pitch. Guildford started the bottom of the 7th inning needing eight runs to force extra innings, or nine to win. Their first batter reached on Catchers Interference, stole second and then got picked off. Joseph Sims popped out and Guildford were down to their final out. The next two batters walked, and the Ieuan Carney hit a 2 RBI single, and was quickly followed by a 2-run double from Ben Burgess and an RBI from Zander Flores. Unfortunately for the Millers, Flores had attempted to go for second after Nath Tew had fumbled the ball in left field. But Tew recovered well and his throw was perfect for Sam Williams at Short to tag the runner and end the Guildford comeback. It was another strong all-round performance from Thunder, with contributions throughout the batting order and plenty of pressure created on the bases. Chad Tew took the win on the mound, continuing an outstanding season for the New Forest ace. The victory sends New Forest Thunder into the BBF National Play-Off Division 5 Final, marking the clubs first ever Championship game appearance. One more game. One more chance to make history. New Forest Thunder 12–9 Guildford Millers
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.
Thunder Crowned SWWBL D5 Champions After Dramatic Final Win
New Forest Thunder are SWWBL Division 5 champions after a dramatic 20-15 victory over the Plymouth Mariners in today’s Championship Game. The title caps a remarkable season for Thunder, who entered the final having won their last six regular-season games to clinch the Severn Division. Their reward was a championship meeting with Plymouth, winners of the Wessex Division, with the regional Division 5 title at stake. The Mariners made the stronger start, racing into a 5-0 lead in the first inning, but Thunder hit back immediately. Kieran Jewell’s two-run single got them on the board before Mitch Sullivan and an error brought Thunder level at 5-5. Thunder moved ahead 8-5 in the second, only for Plymouth to level the game again in the third. The Mariners then regained the lead in the fourth, going 11-9 ahead, before Lewis Kelly’s RBI single cut the deficit to one. Then came Thunder’s biggest offensive burst of the afternoon. Shaun Barrett’s triple tied the game before RBI hits from Doug Sutherland and Mitch Sullivan, a Chad Tew double and a wild pitch helped Thunder score five runs and take a 15-11 lead. Plymouth answered immediately, scoring four in the top of the fifth to level the game at 15-15. Thunder’s defence then held firm in the sixth, setting up one final offensive charge. Lewis Kelly was hit by a pitch before Sam Williams beat out a bunt and Simon Schwarz singled him home. Barrett and Sutherland followed with RBI singles, Mitch Sullivan brought Barrett across on a fielder’s choice, and Kelly returned to the plate to drive home Chad Tew and complete another five-run inning. The five-run rule ended the inning, and the time limit meant Plymouth had no opportunity to respond. Game over. Championship won. New Forest Thunder are SWWBL Division 5 champions, securing the club’s first regional title just weeks after claiming the Severn Division championship. Manager, Doug Sutherland, said after the game “Both pitchers put in great performances today, and I don’t think the final score does either of them justice. Every player played their part and contributed to a fantastic team performance.” He went on to highlight Kieran Jewell as Player of the Day, while Shaun Barrett’s triple was awarded Play of the Day. And the season may not be finished yet. Thunder now face the possibility of a rematch with Plymouth in the BBF National Playoff Quarter-Finals, with a place in the national semi-finals at stake.
ThunderKnights Heading to Berlin for Historic International Friendly
The New Forest ThunderKnights are delighted to announce that we will be making our first-ever overseas trip this autumn, travelling to Germany to take on the NSF Roosters in a special international friendly. The game will take place on Saturday 10th October in Berlin, marking a major milestone in the club’s short but remarkable history. Founded in 2022, the ThunderKnights have grown from a brand-new baseball club into a thriving community with two adult teams, a dedicated home field, and now an opportunity to represent the New Forest on the international stage. This trip is another exciting chapter in our journey. Our opponents, the NSF Roosters, are one of Berlin’s longest-established baseball clubs. Based in the Neukölln district of the German capital, the Roosters have been part of the Neuköllner Sportfreunde organisation since 1990 and boast a proud history within Berlin and Brandenburg baseball. The club is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to growing the game, values that closely align with our own. A group of ThunderKnights players and coaches will be making the trip to Berlin for what promises to be a fantastic weekend of baseball, friendship and international competition. Beyond the game itself, the visit provides a unique opportunity to strengthen connections between two growing baseball communities and celebrate the global spirit of the sport we all love. More details, including travel updates, team news and more, will be announced in the coming months. For now, one thing is certain: on 10th October, the ThunderKnights will be taking New Forest Baseball overseas for the very first time. Berlin, we’re coming.
A Strong Start for New Forest Baseball in 2026
The 2026 season is now fully underway for New Forest Baseball, and the opening month has already delivered plenty of memorable moments across both the Thunder and Knights. From debut appearances and first wins to dramatic innings and strong team performances, the club has continued to grow both on and off the field, with new players stepping into games, contributing immediately, and embracing the spirit of baseball in the New Forest. Opening Day Delayed by Weather The Thunder were due to begin their season on 12 April away at Yeovil Whirlwinds, but heavy rain forced the postponement of the fixture. While disappointing for players eager to get started, it only added to the anticipation ahead of the following weekend’s opening games. First Ever ThunderKnight Classic Baseball finally arrived on 19 April with the first ever ThunderKnight Classic, as the Thunder and Knights faced each other for the first time in league competition. While the Thunder came away with victories in both games, the day was a huge milestone for the club as a whole, with a large number of players making their debuts and taking their first steps into competitive baseball. In Game One, father and son Chad and Nath Tew both made their debuts for the Thunder and both recorded hits in a memorable family moment. Chad also impressed on the mound, pitching 2.2 innings with five strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Kieran Jewell delivered a strong offensive performance with five RBIs, while Shaun Barrett’s aggressive baserunning helped set the tone for the Thunder throughout the game. For the Knights, Darryn Stares, Leon Negus-Roman, Kevin Lau, Seb Chambers and Joe Wood all made their debuts, with Darryn and Leon both recording hits. Darryn also made his pitching debut and struck out three batters. Game Two brought even more debut appearances across the club. Chad Tew continued his excellent start to the season by going 3-for-3 with a walk and an RBI, while Ben Martin made his pitching debut for the Thunder. Shaun Barrett continued to create opportunities at the top of the lineup with four walks and several stolen bases. The Knights welcomed another group of debut players, including Ben Weeks, Owen Hatch, Cameron Houghton, Peter McKnight, Taylor Symonds-Price and Jake Turner. Owen Hatch impressed with two hits and three runs scored, while Peter McKnight and Taylor Symonds-Price also collected hits in their first appearances for the club. Luke Callum also made his pitching debut for the Knights. Beyond the results, the day highlighted the continued growth of New Forest Baseball, with experienced players and newcomers sharing the field together in a positive and competitive atmosphere. Knights Record Their First Wins The Knights were due to return to action on 26 April against the Taunton Pistols. Unfortunately the game was cancelled, however the Knights pick up two wins by forfeit. Thunder Continue Strong Start in Taunton The Thunder travelled to Taunton on 10 May and produced another pair of strong offensive performances to secure a double-header sweep. In Game One, Thunder pulled away late with seven runs in the final inning to secure a 22-9 victory. Sam Williams collected four hits and scored four runs, while Kieran Jewell drove in six runs during another productive performance at the plate. Mitch Sullivan also contributed heavily, finishing with four RBIs and four runs scored. Game Two proved much closer, with the teams level at 12-12 after three innings. Thunder again finished strongly, scoring six runs in the final inning before holding Taunton’s response to secure an 18-15 win. Leigh Froud led the way offensively with three hits, three RBIs and two runs scored, while doubles from Shaun Barrett, Sam Williams and Mitch Sullivan helped keep the pressure on throughout the game. Froud also started on the mound, with Mitch Sullivan delivering an important relief outing to help close out the victory. Knights Earn Split Against Bristol The Knights travelled to Bristol Brunels on the same weekend and earned a well-deserved split across two competitive games. Game One featured another debut, with Kyle Flaherty recording his first RBI for the club alongside two walks. Ben Coxhill claimed his first pitching win, striking out three batters during a composed performance. One of the standout moments of the day came on a well-executed double play, as Joe Wood made a catch in centre field before combining with James Knight at first base to complete the play. Darryn Stares continued his impressive start to the season, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs as the Knights secured an 11-9 victory. Although the second game ended in a narrow defeat, there were still several positives for the Knights to take away. Darryn again contributed strongly offensively, while Leon Negus-Roman stepped up to make his pitching debut as starter before Darryn moved to the mound in relief and struck out three batters. The continued willingness of new players to take on different roles has been an important part of the Knights’ early-season development. Thunder Split with Bristol Brunels On 17 May, the Thunder hosted Bristol Brunels in another entertaining double-header. Game One saw Thunder secure a 10-5 win behind a complete game performance from Chad Tew, who struck out six batters across five innings. Simon Schwarz created constant pressure on the bases with six stolen bases, while Mitch Sullivan and Kieran Jewell both recorded two hits, including doubles. The second game remained closely contested through three innings before Bristol produced a big fourth inning to take control. Thunder continued battling throughout and added four late runs, but ultimately fell short in a 17-10 defeat as rain began to approach the field. Sam Williams and Doug Sutherland both drove in three runs during the game, while Ben Martin struck out four batters in his pitching start before several players combined in relief. Building Something Special One month into the season, there is already a strong sense of momentum around New Forest Baseball. Across both teams, experienced players and newcomers alike have contributed in important moments, while the club
Key Transfers Ahead of 2026 Season
Every season brings new stories, and for 2026 a group of familiar faces will be writing their next chapter in Storm Blue. Several players who predominantly pulled on the Knights jersey in recent seasons will be “On The Move”, joining the Thunder for the upcoming campaign. It’s a shift that reflects what New Forest Baseball is all about — Growth, Community and Fun — with players stepping into new challenges while keeping the same club spirit that binds the ThunderKnights together. Shaun Barrett – CF – #51 A dynamic presence in centre field, Shaun has been one of the Knights’ most electric players over the last two seasons. His 2025 numbers tell the story: a .467 average, a huge .690 OBP, and an eye-watering 18 stolen bases without being caught once. Shaun’s speed and on-base ability make him a natural spark plug at the top of the order, and his move to the Thunder gives the team an immediate injection of pace and pressure on opposing defences. Leigh Froud – CF / P – #8 A 2025 SWWBL All-Star, Leigh brings versatility, experience and plenty of personality to the Thunder roster. Equally comfortable roaming the outfield or taking the mound, he’s the kind of player every team needs: adaptable, committed, and always ready to step up. At the plate, Leigh’s excellent on-base percentage shows his discipline and awareness, while his willingness to take on different roles highlights the Community spirit at the heart of the club — doing whatever the team needs, whenever it’s needed. Lewis Kelly – 3B – #46 The 2024 Rookie of the Year and current GM, Lewis’ move is a significant one for 2026. A powerful bat and confident presence at third base, he’s posted outstanding numbers across his first two seasons, including a .421 average and 1.119 OPS in 2025. Lewis represents Growth in its purest form — from rookie standout to club leader, and now stepping onto the Thunder roster to continue pushing his game forward while helping guide others along the way. Ben Martin – 3B / LF – #69 Reliable and quietly effective, Ben adds depth and flexibility to the Thunder defence. Whether at third base or in left field, he brings steady hands, a team-first attitude and a knack for getting the job done without fuss. His move is another reminder that Community is bigger than any single team name. Thunder or Knights, the badge stays the same — and players like Ben help keep that shared identity strong. Ernesto Ramos – 2B – #73 A Venezuela native, Ernesto made an instant impression in limited action in 2025, hitting .500 with a 1.367 OPS. A right-handed second baseman with sharp instincts and infectious enthusiasm, he adds international flavour and exciting upside to the Thunder line-up. Ernesto’s journey perfectly captures the Fun principle — bringing energy, passion and a love of the game that lifts everyone around him. Simon Schwarz – C – #24 Simon had already played a chunk of the 2025 season as a Thunder player, but now makes the move permanent. His catching skills behind the plate, as well his batting skills at it, make him another exciting addition to the Thunder roster. Si was the Knights Offensive Player of the Season in 2025 and will hope to bring more offensive prowess to Thunder in 2026. One Club, Two Teams, Ready for 2026 While the jerseys for these players may be changing from forest green to storm blue, the philosophy stays the same. These moves aren’t about leaving one side behind; in fact there are a lot of new faces to be unveiled for the Knights this season. Preparing for 2026 has been about strengthening both teams and continuing to build one connected ThunderKnights community. Because no matter where our players line up on game day, they’re all still playing the New Forest way.
Built for the Forest: Our New Jerseys Up Close
We’re excited to unveil brand new New Forest Baseball jerseys for 2026, created in partnership with Covee. Inspired by our home in the New Forest, the design keeps things classic, bold, and built for the long summer days ahead on the diamond. For the first time, the jerseys proudly feature “New Forest” across the chest, reflecting that every player who pulls one on represents not just their team, but the whole club and the wider community we’re part of. Each jersey is personalised with player name and number, plus a nationality flag on the back. It’s a small but important detail celebrating the mix of backgrounds that make our club what it is. You’ll also spot the classic ThunderKnight helmet logo on one sleeve and the ThunderKnight name on the other. A nod to where we’ve come from. To launch the new look, we headed into the Forest itself. Bats over shoulders, jerseys on show, and a camera rolling; capturing the spirit of the club in the place that inspired it. The Knights will continue to wear their traditional green — a shade inspired by the towering trees, open heathland, and winding trails of the New Forest itself. Meanwhile, the Thunder kit mirrors the same design in a deep stormy blue — a colour representing dramatic skies, rolling thunder, and the unmistakable sound of a bat meeting baseball somewhere across the Forest. This year also marks the debut of dark forest pinstripes, giving the jerseys a classic baseball feel while adding a little extra edge. Different colours. Same club. Same spirit. These jerseys represent what New Forest Baseball is all about: Community – everyone pulling together under one name.Growth – new players, new jerseys, and the game spreading across the Forest.Fun – because baseball should always be played with a smile. We can’t wait to see them out on the field this season.
GALLERY: Suiting Up for 2026: The New Jerseys
VIDEO: New Forest Baseball 2026 Jersey Launch
