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.
Thunder Fall Just Short in AAA Debut
For the first time in 2024 both the New Forest Thunder and the New Forest Knights were in action, as the Thunder made their season, and AAA, debut away to the Bristol Badgers. Despite fighting valiantly in both games, the debutants came up short against an experienced Bristol side. However, Manager Warren Doyle was very happy with the performance from his side, praising the way they fought – particularly in the first game. After a slow start, the Thunder rallied around Shannon Hall on the mound after he kept them in the game through the first three innings. At 3-0 down, Mitch Sullivan recorded the first ever AAA hit for the away side as he forced the ball down the right field line to fire up his teammates and get the bats going. With Hall also on base, Chris Lawson drove Sullivan in, before the Thunder added a second via a failed pickoff attempt. Going into the sixth the score remained close, with Bristol adding another run to put them 4-2 ahead. Hall collected his first hit of the year with a single into the outfield, before a Lawson double put runners on third and second. Making his Thunder debut, Angus Blair drove in Hall, before Andy Moore collected his first hit and RBI with a single to right field, scoring Lawson. Amongst six debutants for the Thunder was Bobby Samuelson who put in an excellent performance in Left Field making a great sprinting catch and throwing out a Bristol runner at third base. Despite the comeback, the New Forest side couldn’t quite hold on and a fifth Badgers run sealed the game for them in the bottom of the sixth, as the game finished 5-4. Game two also went back and forth through the first few innings, before the home side showed their experience to close out an 8-2 win. Chris Lawson was solid on the mound for the Thunder, striking out five Badgers through five innings, but a mix of the weather and some tired ABs for the away side saw the game slip away towards the end. Lawson and Moore collected hits, whilst Samuelson added his first RBI in Thunder blue by drawing a walk with the bases loaded. In the outfield, David Jarmillo and KiJae Seung were excellent, catching everything that came their way, whilst Doyle, Blair and Hall turned the first double play of the season for the new AAA side. At Single A, the Knights came up against one of the South West and Wales League favourites as they matched up with the Taunton Muskets at Ballard School. Despite dropping both games, the home side played with energy and commitment throughout and ran the experienced Muskets close in game two. Amongst the highlights was Jordan Snelling’s snag at second base off a rasping line drive that looked destined to go the fence. Ben Coxhill continued his fantastic start to the season with two hits in game one and Shaun Barrett played well in his first appearance at first base in a Knights jersey. Rhi McMah’s three hits led the team in game two, as her batting average moved up to .625, with Chris Stickland picking up two knocks and driving in four runs. Coxhill also picked up five stolen bases to take him to 17 on the season and fifth on the national leaderboard after four games. The Thunder travel to Cardiff on Saturday to take on the Merlins, whilst the Knights visit Bristol for the first time this season to play the Buccaneers on Sunday.
New Forest Knights Set for British Baseball Opening Day
With the New Forest Baseball Club expanding to two teams ahead of the 2024 season, the New Forest Knights are set to get their season underway on Sunday. The expansion to two teams is a sign of how much the club has grown in the 18 months since their founding in Autumn 2022. Over the winter 25 new players joined, allowing the club’s committee to make plans for teams at two levels of the British baseball pyramid. On Sunday, the Knights will take on the Bristol Brunels in the South West and Wales ‘Single A’ division. New Manager, Sam Williams, is heading into the season with a focus on developing new players and creating a team in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute. As well as the Brunels, the Knights will face up against divisional rivals, the Bristol Buccaneers, Cardiff Merlins and Bournemouth Bears in 2024. Cross division games against the Cornish Claycutters, Taunton Muskets and Weston Jets also beckon, as the South West & Wales league continues to expand. New Forest Knights Manager, Sam Williams, said: “We’re very lucky to have so many enthusiastic new players on board for the 2024 season. The club is growing all the time, which mirrors how popular baseball is becoming in the UK. “I’d love to see new players or anyone interested in baseball at a game this season, please get in touch if you think this is the sport for you.” The new season also brings a new home ground for the Knights, as they’ll play all their games at Ballard School in New Milton. With the scheduled games coming thick and fast, the Thunder will play the majority of their games at Wide Lane in Southampton as the club continues to search for a permanent facility to build an infield and mound. After being allocated to AAA this season, the Thunder are continuing preparations for their first game of the season against Bracknell on April 28th. With some notable new additions, the team will compete predominantly against the Bristol Badgers and Cardiff Merlins’ AAA side as they look to make a splash at a level the majority of the team have never played at before. Last season, the Thunder Knights reached the semi-finals of the South West and Wales playoffs, before finally falling to defeat against the Merlins. The Merlins went on to win the national playoffs, before also being promoted to AAA where the two teams will renew a healthy rivalry this season. If you’re interested in playing baseball, or coming along to watch either team, please get in touch via the club’s Facebook or Instagram pages or by emailing newforestbaseball@outlook.com.
Thunder Set for Step Up, as Club Secures Sponsorship
With the 2024 British Baseball season just around the corner, the New Forest Baseball Club is gearing up for another year of growth, on and off the field. Following a successful debut season, which saw the Thunder Knights make the South West and Wales League playoffs, the club has seen membership nearly double over the winter. A second team has been formed, and the ‘New Forest Thunder’ will play as a team separately to the ‘New Forest Knights’. The majority of last year’s squad are staying together and playing for the Thunder, but the club have also made a couple of experienced additions. Shannon Hall brings a long history of success in British Baseball to the team, as well as his knowledge of the game, which has led to his appointment as Head Coach of the club. Steve Steele and Simon Schwarz have also joined, along with a number of Southampton University’s high performing team. Following these additions, the British Baseball Federation has seeded the Thunder as a AAA team for the 2024 season. This means that the majority of the team will perform at two levels above any standard of baseball they’ve played before, presenting both a huge challenge and an opportunity for growth. New Forest Thunder Manager, Warren Doyle, said: ‘The number of new players we’ve taken on over the last few months is a testament to the positive ethos and welcoming nature of our club. ‘I’m really pleased to see so many people getting involved with the sport for the first time, and we’re really looking forward to getting the season underway.’ Off the field, the club has been sponsored by local Engineering firm, Calcinotto. The Poole based company provides expert services across the public and private sector, with a portfolio that includes some of the most impressive buildings across the south coast. Their generous support will enable the club to invest in the equipment needed to support the ever growing team. Alongside this, the Twin Bill have continued their game ball sponsorship with the Club for the year. The US baseball magazine will sponsor the balls that the Knights use on match days throughout the year, an incredibly generous gesture which helps cover the ever increasing cost of baseballs in the UK. The season gets underway for both teams in April, with the Knights set to play teams from Cardiff, Bristol, Bournemouth, Weston, Taunton and Cornwall in the South West and Wales Single A division. With the Thunder being promoted two levels, they will play against Cardiff Merlins AAA, the Bristol Badgers and Bracknell Inferno in the BBF South West division this season.
Knights Go Down Fighting in Cardiff
The New Forest Thunder Knights fought hard in their playoff semi-final matchup with the Cardiff Merlins but eventually fell to a 7-2 defeat. For large parts of the afternoon the scoreline was within one run as a pitching duel between the Knights’ Chris Lawson and Merlins’ Saliyah Wijesinghe kept the game moving at a frantic pace. Both pitchers sat the opposition side down in order in the first inning, recording a strikeout apiece in the process. With a combination of power and movement Lawson and Wijesinghe kept both side’s hitters guessing between fastball and their curveball throughout the game. The home side scored the first run of the game in the second inning, as Wijesinghe doubled, stole third base and then scored on a passed ball. Jamie Cunningham and Ben Davies then drove in two more in the third inning, capitalising on a couple of errors from the Knights. However, the away side came to life in the top of the fourth. Mitch Sullivan led off with a well hit single into shallow centre field, Alex Frampton followed him with a broken bat infield single to put runners at first and third. After Frampton stole second, Marcus Senior drove in Sullivan with a hit into right field – Frampton then scored on a wild throw into the catcher. The game went back and forth for a couple of innings following the Knights rally, Andy Moore recorded a hit through the left side of the infield, Senior took a fantastic grab over his shoulder and Eddie Donald pulled off two excellent catches to keep the score close. Lawson also got himself out of a bases-loaded jam with help from Rob Holbrook and Andy Swann and a strikeout. After throwing 130 pitches and eight strikeouts, Lawson was relieved by Senior in the seventh inning. Following a strikeout and a pop up to Swann, the Knights’ Manager was unlucky to give up a couple of runs as the Merlins moved out to a 7-2 lead. Despite the best efforts of the New Forest side, they couldn’t quite get the bats going against Wijesinghe who closed out a complete game and booked the Merlins a spot in the South West and Wales League playoff final. The defeat draws a successful first season to a close for the Thunder Knights, as they finished with a winning record, gave competitive debuts to a number of players and reached the playoffs for the first time.
Home Run Honeymoon, as Williams Goes Yard
Sam Williams continued the ‘feel good factor’ after his recent marriage to teammate Rozi Hathaway, by hitting his first ever home run in Sunday’s split with the Bournemouth Bears. Coming to bat in the second inning, Williams took a pitch high into the afternoon sun and over the outfield fence in left centre field as the Knights fought back from an 8-3 deficit to win game one 9-8. As happened in the reverse fixture, the New Forest based team fell behind early in game one, before showing excellent determination to fight back for the victory. Alex Frampton picked up two hits and Shaun Barrett, Mitch Sullivan and Marcus Senior all drove in runs during the comeback effort. Barrett hit a thumping double, showing off his ever improving approach at the plate as the perfect accompaniment to Williams’ home run blast. However, the game was won on the back of a two inning relief pitching effort from Chris Lawson. With the scores close, Lawson struck out five batters whilst not giving up a hit – sealing the second tight win against the Bears in the space of three weeks. The second game of the day saw the Bears rally and claim a 6-4 victory to earn the split on the back of some powerful pitching. However, it was another close game with a number of firsts for the away side. Amber Rainbird got herself on base for the first time in her baseball career, before stealing second. With the Knights bench providing their full support, Rainbird also picked up the ‘Player of the Day’ award. Mack Wylde made his starting debut, after featuring at second base during game one. It was a good show from the newest Knight as he drove in a run and looked solid in the field. As always, Marcus Senior was solid on the mound, striking out six Bears and helping his own cause with a 100% on base percentage off two hits and a walk. His 36 strikeouts see him currently sat third in the national Single A rankings, with a full summer of baseball left to play. The Thunder Knights are back in action against the Bristol Brunels next Sunday in Keynsham.
Merlins Down Knights in Fierce Contest
On Coronation Weekend, the New Forest Thunder Knights made their way over the Prince of Wales bridge for a matchup with the Cardiff Merlins. After two low scoring and very competitive games, the league leading Merlins came away with two wins. In game one, the Knights pulled out to an early lead with Warren Doyle and Danny Vinkler scoring after some smart base running. Pitcher Andy Moore then drove in Doyle to add another. The Merlins reached the South West and Wales playoff final last year behind some excellent all round play, but the defense of the away side held strong throughout. Shaun Barrett, Alex Frampton and Eddie Donald all made good catches in the outfield, with Chris Lawson his normal excellent self at Short Stop. In the final inning the New Forest team clawed back to 4-4, as Frampton scored on a Moore infield hit. However, Cardiff walked off with the win as Ben Davies drove in the winning run. Game two was a pitching duel as Lawson went up against Sri Lankan, Saliya Wijesinghe. Both were excellent and showcased the high standard of the league. Leigh Froud earned himself play of the day honours with a great running catch at Left Field off a strongly hit line drive. However, the Knights struggled to get the bats going against the pace and movement of the home side’s pitching. Doyle picked up a hit and Vinkler showcased his arm by throwing out a running at home plate. After an excellent performance at Catcher in game one, Vinkler was also named player of the day. The away side came away with a 4-0 win at the end of play. After three away games to start the year, the Thunder Knights welcome the Bournemouth Bears for their home opener next Sunday.
Sponsorship Boost as Grove Sales back the Knights
After an exciting start to their first ever season as a club, the New Forest Thunder Knights are delighted to have secured the backing of another local business. Grove Sales Ltd have agreed to sponsor one of the team’s home games during the season, providing much needed support for equipment and hire costs in return. So far this season the Knights have gone 2-2, sitting tied for second place in the Severn Division of the South West and Wales Baseball league. A tough opening slate of games has already seen the New Forest team travel to Bristol and Taunton, with another difficult day in Cardiff looming. All the support from sponsors like Grove Sales is put straight back into the running of the club, with matchday sponsors able to throw out the first pitch and have their branding displayed on social media and game days in return. Team Manager, Warren Doyle, said: “It’s fantastic to get this backing from a company of the size and reputation that Grove has. We’re incredibly grateful to them, and everyone else in the New Forest and the surrounding area that has supported us so far.” Grove Sales Manager, Luke Ramsier, said: “All of us at the Grove love our local sport, and we’re more than happy to support the Knights in their first season. We’re looking forward to watching the club grow and wish them success going forward.” Following on from some great early coverage of the team, the Knights welcomed their first new players to training recently as the popularity of baseball in the UK continues to grow after Team GB’s participation in the World Baseball Classic. Grove Sales Ltd are a national distributor of various electrical goods. Based in Christchurch, with a wide reaching network, they supply to all over the United Kingdom and Europe. Along with a range of other products, they specialise in goods such as Weller soldering stations, Bofa fume extraction units and the G-Tek range of ESD products. Further Information: