Bean Machine, one of Jersey’s travelling softball teams, kicked off the outdoor season in style this past weekend, bringing home the Silver grade Cup trophy from Manchester Firstball.
Saturday brought a full sweep of wins for the Beans as they went 5 for 5 in the first of their seeding games. Each of the games brought their own challenges and in several cases the scoreline was extremely close, showing the level of competition that Bean Machine were up against.
On Sunday, the team took on the closest ranking team, the Titans, losing by only 3 runs. Another loss in the following game to the Screwballs placed Bean Machine 2nd in the table ahead of the semi-finals. Up against the Tanks, a Loughborough University team, Bean Machine showed their experience and skill defending off the energetic youth of the opposition to secure the win and a spot in the final for the Cup.
The final brought together the top 2 seeding teams, Bean Machine and Titans, offering an opportunity for the Jersey side to settle the score from earlier in the day. Taking an early lead and steadily inching ahead each inning, the Beans held their composure when the opposition attempted to mount a comeback in the 5th and closed the score line to 8-7.
At the top of the 6th, Bean Machine brought home a much-needed 5 runs to push ahead and had a shut-out inning on the field. A final run for the Beans in the 7th inning left the Titans trailing by 7 and as their batters faced up against the fielding defense, they struggled to make a dent in the difference. The 3rd and final out was achieved by a huge relay from the outfield into a 3rd base tag and Bean Machine secured the win.
The team’s chosen MVPs for the weekend were Amanda Halford and Rob Duckett.
Saturday brought a full sweep of wins for the Beans as they went 5 for 5 in the first of their seeding games. Each of the games brought their own challenges and in several cases the scoreline was extremely close, showing the level of competition that Bean Machine were up against.
On Sunday, the team took on the closest ranking team, the Titans, losing by only 3 runs. Another loss in the following game to the Screwballs placed Bean Machine 2nd in the table ahead of the semi-finals. Up against the Tanks, a Loughborough University team, Bean Machine showed their experience and skill defending off the energetic youth of the opposition to secure the win and a spot in the final for the Cup.
The final brought together the top 2 seeding teams, Bean Machine and Titans, offering an opportunity for the Jersey side to settle the score from earlier in the day. Taking an early lead and steadily inching ahead each inning, the Beans held their composure when the opposition attempted to mount a comeback in the 5th and closed the score line to 8-7.
At the top of the 6th, Bean Machine brought home a much-needed 5 runs to push ahead and had a shut-out inning on the field. A final run for the Beans in the 7th inning left the Titans trailing by 7 and as their batters faced up against the fielding defense, they struggled to make a dent in the difference. The 3rd and final out was achieved by a huge relay from the outfield into a 3rd base tag and Bean Machine secured the win.
The team’s chosen MVPs for the weekend were Amanda Halford and Rob Duckett.
Speaking about the weekend, Ric Sousa, founder and captain of Bean Machine, said “I’m delighted for the team to have come away with the Cup trophy this weekend. Everyone rose to the challenge and showed the competition how strong we can be together. I’m incredibly proud of each player and their achievements, and look forward to the next challenge.”
The team's next off-island adventure will be the Windsor Invitational Tournament in July.
re to edit.
The team's next off-island adventure will be the Windsor Invitational Tournament in July.
re to edit.
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