Waverley Softball Association ready to throw out the first pitch of its 50th Open 1 season

The 50th Waverley Softball Association Open 1 season promises to deliver when the summer kicks off on October 6 with six sides vying for premiership honours in the association’s premier competition.

The 50th Waverley Softball Association Open 1 season promises to deliver when the summer kicks off on Saturday, October 6.

The association’s premier competition will see six teams vying for premiership honours.

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Waverley Softball Association is celebrating it's 50th season. (From left) Annmarie Myyadunne (13, Northside), Ben Gray (10, Northside), Sheree Wood (Brandon Heights), Alys Young (Glen Waverley), Emma Boldeman (Brandon Heights), Lily Sherrin (10, Northside) and Julia Tay (10, Northside). Picture: Josie Hayden

SYNDAL

Defending champion Syndal begins its campaign with a grand final replay against Northwood Falcons after winning last year’s premiership, 2-0.

Syndal has picked up the talented Sarah Beales from the Falcons and, after taking last season off, she’ll be a big addition after the loss of long-time catcher Emma Willmott to interstate work commitments.

“We will be relying on our young guns like Tamar Hutchinson and Piera Charles to command our field and experienced bats like Steph Davis and Bree Dawson to score runs when needed,” coach Daniel Dawson said.

NORTHWOOD

Perennial powerhouse Northwood Falcons will be looking to make a remarkable sixth grand final appearance in a row.

Veteran Coach Peter Donohue said: “Our defence will once again be led by Black Clouds marquee player Dale Stocker in the circle and with the addition of Amanda Torrington (Titans) behind the dish our battery is of national level. We have a number of players returning, including the experienced Tayla Supple and Erin Dunstan.”

Falcons will start firm favourites to win a third premiership in five years.

GLEN WAVERLEY

Foundation club Glen Waverley will be looking to repeat last year’s top four finish. Winners of 11 Open 1 premierships, the Angels will be wanting to end a title drought that stretches back to 2002-03.

Coaches Webb, Brown and Quince will be eager to gauge the improvement in young pitcher Moana Benjamin, upon whose shoulders their season’s fortunes rest.

Benjamin will need plenty of run support, however, and this will have to come from the undoubted talents of Alys Young and Kylie Steemers.

The addition of Kayla Zissler from the ACT will bring a strong bat into the line-up and flexibility in the field to partially offset the loss of Sam Allen (maternity leave).

The Angels belted the most runs of any team in Open 1 last season, but may need to tighten their defence behind pitcher Benjamin.

Waverley Softball Association is celebrating it's 50th season. (From left) Sheree Wood (Brandon Heights), Alys Young (Glen Waverley), Emma Boldeman (Brandon Heights). Picture: Josie Hayden

EASTERN RAIDERS

Eastern Raiders will also be looking to tighten up their defence and give young pitcher Nicky Martin more support as the team seeks to make a reappearance in the finals after narrowly missing out last year.

Coaches Rodger Trevethan and Mili Cohen will have the team primed and ready to make a run at a finals berth this season.

The Raiders have picked up handy players in Lily Jackson and Hannah Smart and will depend heavily on the talent and experience of Jess Chomley. Under the returning Trevethan, they may well be an outside chance to land their first premiership for nine years.

MOORABBIN

Moorabbin went out of last year’s finals at the preliminary final stage.

Jackie Di Siervi and Jess Bahn, Purple Haze’s marquee player, will make the girls in pink formidable opponents again this year.

However, they need to shore-up a leaky defence if they are to be serious contenders this year.

BRANDON HEIGHTS

A young Brandon Heights outfit will be looking to translate potential into success this season.

They are choc-full of talented youngsters, but will rely heavily on the experience of Kelly Martin to provide a cool head when the going gets tough.

They will also be bolstered by the return of speedster Milli Mercuri, who has spent the northern summer playing in Caserta, Italy.

The Heights were competitive against the top teams for long periods last season, but coach Scammell will demand more consistency this term.

“With many years of experience at junior state level amongst them, the team will be continuing to mature which will be the key to playing a more consistent and aggressive brand of softball,” Scammell said.

Open 1 games take place at 4pm every Saturday at Wheelers Hill’s Jells Park.

The Waverley Softball Association has been providing an enjoyable sporting experience in the area since 1961 and caters for girls aged seven to 70.

All abilities are welcome and further information is available at 0410 619 594 or email at: [e-mail]