Temperatures were high both on and off the field as the Mavericks hosted the Old Timers for the tenth league game of the season. The Mavericks were looking to continue their three game winning streak after completing the double over Richmond and last weeks victory over the Rays. 

League rules stipulate metal bats be used in Old Timers games, which made for an interesting day in the field. Defensively for the Mavericks, Gregg ‘Stingray’ Yates wore the mobile oven and started as catcher for his league debut in that position.

The game started with runs a plenty, as few Mavericks pitches found their way past the Old Timers bats. Four runs crossed home plate in quick succession, although the inning ended on a sour note, as the visitors were unhappy with Joe Bibby’s tag on a runner who stumbled off the base at first - making the final out. As the saying goes, rules is rules (applicable to both sides!) and even after a dispute the umpire stood his ground with the original call....inning over!

The Mavs bats replied in the bottom of the inning, with a two out rally equalling the four runs scored at the top of the innings helped with walks from Bibby and Thom Doggert along with a two RBI double by Stingray. However it fell apart again, as the visitors replied with five runs in the second inning to take it back their five run lead. Unfortunately, after that, the runs weren’t so frequent with only Ben ‘B.A.’ Stobart crossing the plate following a sac fly.

Further gamesmanship from the opposition, as time outs and pinch (substitutions?!) runners were employed, but it proved sufficient to keep the Mavericks on the back foot. Defensively the Mavericks sharpened up their game, including a successful run down at the second attempt, that prevented them falling further behind.

Smarter baseball was needed and this came in the top of the fifth inning, but only after gifting the Old Timers a 13-6 lead and missing the chance of turning a double play. It was the start of a better defence for the Mavericks. Brucey baby on the mound went on to hang three zeros with help from his infield collecting the pop-ups along with a great diving catch from Chris Lary at third base. The trouble was that the Old Timers either stepped up their defence or got lucky as there were three scoreless innings from the hosts.

Bottom of the eighth was more like it as the umpire didn’t have to contend with the visiting umpires calling the balls and strikes for him and instead let the batting team do what the batting team should do. A lead off single and over-throw took Doggert to third and Stingray to second with both John Kristenson and Lary driving in two RBIs each.

However, that was to be the end of the comeback as the Old Timers added another run before shutting down Guildford with a 1-2-3 inning, thus consigning the Mavericks to their third loss of the year 

Notable performances came from Tom Hall and Jeremy Able as they both went 2-2. James Guerra hit five singles and stole six bases with a running motion taken from the Ministry of Silly Walks - twice stealing two bases at a time. B.A. somehow managed to make enough contact to record 3-5 whilst driving in two runs. Thom Doggert crossed home plate three times, despite only one hit, demonstrating how valuable ’good eyes’ are, as two walks rewardedhim and the team. Chris Lary knocked home 3 RBI's and Stingray gave a stellar performance both as catcher and batter as 3-5 isn’t shabby.

Overall, a disappointing result when the team knew it could easily have been different. There were positives to take home as the second half of the game is what we’ve been used to and we know what we can do. The rookies are continuing to learn the game and the rest of the team are working together to make the plays look easy.

Just a shame that the with a relatively inexperienced team, they were subjected to usual arguing and complaining that seems to accompany Old Timers games. Especially ironic, given the directive issued in the last couple of weeks by the BBF, with regards abuse of umpires!! Not a great advert for the game, and doesn't help in retaining new players...but then only some teams have the concern of recruiting players who are new to the game.

Next week is a game not to be taken lightly, against the Southampton Mustangs (after their initial visit was rained off).