Tonbridge, 9th May

Due to a rained off game against Southampton the previous week, the Mavericks second league game was a replay of the season opener against the Tonbridge Bobcats in Tonbridge. As the Mavericks turned up in Tonbridge the skies were grey and another rained off game seemed a high possibility, but the rain held off and the game was underway.

In the first inning the Mavericks batting first and got off to an excellent start, batting round and scoring eight runs in the process. The bottom half of the inning came and went with Tonbridge pulling back a couple of runs. Much more solid in defense compared to the opener, Guildford also found a star in Joe Bibby, who for the second game running produced a man of the match performance, both with bat and glove. Going 6 for 8 on the day, including a home run, and narrowly missing hitting for the cycle, he also made a diving play at first, to rob the Bobcats of a base hit.

As the game progressed the Mavericks continued to build on their lead with good performances from all involved. The offense strung hits together in a much more co-ordinated fashion than in the first game. Amongst several standout performances, were home runs from Owen Hazelby and John Kristensen, the former also pitching well and doing what Joe failed to do, and hitting for the cycle. Matt Bruce came in, in relief of Owen, and mopped up the last couple of innings

Despite some light rain, the game reached it end at the end of the seventh inning due to the slaughter rule, with a final score of 36 to 10. The Mavericks’ next game is at home against the Herts Raptors, as Guildford will hope to move above .500 for the first time this season.

Thanks to Tom Hall for the report