The Rebels survived a late surge by the Rattlesnakes to edge a tight game 20-17. It was an amazing game, that going into the 5th inning looked like the Rebels could win on the run-ahead rule. But a spirited fight back from the 9 man Rattlesnakes kept them in the game and they had the chance to win it right at the death.
The Rebels, who were forced into 6 changes from the team beaten against Marlow the previous week, fielded a pretty strong team. Missing both Captain and Vice-captain through injury, it still looked a tall order to overcome a Rattlesnakes team who sat second in the league and were looking to close the gap at the top. The task didn’t look any easier when the Rattlesnakes jump into a 6-2 lead after the first inning. A couple of towering hits from their 2nd and 4th girl batters seemed to be setting the tone for the night. The Rebels then rallied, a 5 run 2nd inning and 3 more in the 3rd put them 10-6 up going into the 4th. The game then looked won as a huge 9 run 4th inning put them close to victory, batting around the order and with the Rattlesnakes suffering a few injuries, it really only looked a matter of time before the game was done. However, the Rebels don’t do anything the easy way. The Rattlesnakes pulled the 9 runs back in the 5th and with the Rebels failing to score in both 5th and 6th inning the lead was cut to 19-16. A single run in the 7th gave the Rebels a 4 run margin, but with two outs, and having cancelled that run out the Rattlesnakes had bases loaded and their best male hitter at the plate. He went for the right hit, but unfortunately got under the pitch a little too much giving Rebel shortstop for the night, Steve Gilbert, time to get out and take the catch at the second attempt.
Another Thursday thriller went the way of the Rebels and improves their record to 3-3 with them sitting pretty in 4th spot in the league. Next up for the Rebels a home game against the Bracknell Scorchers.
MVPs
Kayleigh Chamberlain (Rebels), Billy Bryce (Rattlesnakes), Tracey Ellis (Rattlesnakes)
Maidenhead Softball Club 