Croydon Pirates 32
Guildford Mavericks 5

Guildford, July 27th 2003. The Mavericks and the Pirates closed out their regular season schedule with this make up game from the one rained in Week 3. With nothing to play for, as the Mavericks had started the game 2 places above the Pirates in the table, a gap too big for the Pirates to close, and thus qualify for the top 6 play-offs, both sides took the chance to give some of their bench players a start. However it proved to be Croydon who had a much deeper squad, as they ran out very comfortable winners indeed, making several people wonder how they had managed to finish outside of the top 6.

The Mavericks in fact were unable to get on the scoreboard until the 5th inning, and although they had held Croydon to just 8 runs through the first four, the Pirates exploded in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings, unloading against a Maverick pitching rotation, somewhat lacking in depth. In fact going into this game, Guildford only had 2 pitchers available. However, it did mean that Ben Mullard was able to get some more practice on the mound, in what has been a very good first season for him, with a club leading batting average of .667 and some exemplary play at first base.

Although struggling on the mound without the missing Hammer, Sawyer and Diaz, it was still at the plate where the Mavericks fell down. Aside from Ben's two hits, 5 of the 7 other hits came from veterans Brian Kendal and Mike Burdett, and twice in the fist 4 innings, Guildford left the bases loaded, without managing to score a run.

Croydon on the other hand hit right down the order with the highlight being the two home runs from first baseman Bauch, both of which cleared the fence in the centrefield, driving in 4 runs in the process, in a 5 for 7 day at the plate. Okada on the mound for the Pirates, although not overpowering, was able to succesfully mix up his pitches, and keep the Mavericks batters on the back foot all day. In fact he only gave up a couple of extra base hits all day, and even one of those was a difficult chance for the shortstop.

The Pirates were also strong in the field and in comparison to the Mavericks took almost all the chances that came their way. Perhaps showing some inexperience, Guildford did give up some easy outs, but with time, this is something that should improve.

With the round robin play-offs beginning next week, Guildford travel to the unbeaten league leaders Milton Keynes, whilst the Pirates should entertain league new boys, Bournville.

Guildford MVP: Brian Kendal

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