Albion joins leader

Press, 24 February 1986, Page 3

Albion joins leader

Robert Brown Albion became joint leader of the Dalgety Crown Travel, women’s premier softball competition with its 1-0 win against Burnside at Western Park yesterday., It was probably the most relaxed encounter between these two Effies this summer, but this did not detract from the standard of skills displayed by the rivals. For the first time in the last three matches between these two top sides, Albion outbatted Burnside, 4-1. Both sides were swiftly three up and down in the 'first innings, but in the second both left a runner on base. The top of the third innings produced a t|ngle

of excitement as Bumside’s Tracey Ellis reached base on Albion’s only error of the game, with only one down. Jane Earnshaw popped In a bunt but Ellis was taken out on the fourth play. / Earnshaw went to steal second base, to put herself into a scoring position, but was given out by a controversial call by the base umpire. The deadlock was broken at the bottom of the fourth innings when Albion’s lead-off, Natalie Hazlewood, hit a stand-up double through centre field. Penny Salton, who has batted superbly under pressure in recent weeks, blasted a triple through right field to score Hazlewood. '

Burnside’s field held to dismiss the next two batters and leave Salton forlornly stranded on third. After this innings neither side had any scoring opportunities. The next time the rivals meet will be late next month. The outcome of this encounter will probably decide the championship winner, as it is unlikely either side will be beaten in the meantime. Probably the most encouraging aspects of yesterday’s match were the performances of Helen Townsend, aged 17, of Burnside, who batted .500, and Albion’s Wendy Hughes, aged 19, who played notably at, short S top .