Game 4: Metrica Ballbusters vs. Betgenius

Metrica started the game in their traditional style, turning up late after wandering around Regents Park looking for the chancers to trounce at softball. Betgenius looked keen, they had loads of players and at least one American/Candian, possibly two, which in my opinion is over the legal quota and is just cheating. But the Ballbusters weren’t daunted, in fact it just made us hungrier.

The ref got the game underway, Betgenius to bat first. They were out for a few runs, and Metrica’s response was a mighty 10 runs in one innings. This was going to be easy, or so we thought. However, these betgenius lot were made of sterner stuff and the fight was going to prove tougher than we would have liked.

Special mention must go out at this point to the ref, who was cooler than huggy bear, with better hand signals that snoop dogg. Brushing the dirt off his shoulder to signify foul balls, spudding his fists together, speaking in code and revelling in every single steeeeeeeeeeeriiiiike.

Back to the game, there was some great eye work as usual, and we welcomed every stroll to first that came our way. After our fine opening innings however, the points were proving harder to come by. Ed was playing like he didn’t want to be in, going for big hits when it was an opportune time to be usin’ them eyes. He also was wearing a pair of James’ patented Velcro gloves and just couldn’t let that bat go at one point. When batting Kristin decided not to hit the ball and instead saw that her time was best spent on the sidelines corralling the troops. Boy Wonder John kept on Bustin them balls into the stratosphere to keep the scores competitive and special mention must also go to rookie Louise, who had not played before but did sterling work on the batters plate.

However, as we all know it is fielding, and stopping the other team scoring which wins the game. It also seems as though tagging is the way forwards and, as john found out, also lets you have a sly grope should you feel the need.
Tim, showed his tenacity on second base with a gravity-defying on-the-floor-behind-the-back tag of one other team. Ed was also on the end of a more erm ‘physical’ tag as he was clatted by the opposition. Thankfully it was not a woman as is his usual choice, but a tough looking skinhead. They all count though. Other tag action included Kristin chasing one young man off the field with a glint in her eye and the ball in her hand. He couldn’t get to third base and was out.

Going into the final few innings we had lost out lead and Betgenius were beginning to pull away from us. This was down to some dropped catches and fumbled throws, including when John and Jags collided trying to catch an easy ball and when my arm turned into a girl’s and threw an absolute shocker from deep, allowing one of their guys to get a home run. I apologise. However, I did put my family jewels in peril for the team, so I think I deserve some credit.

Late in the game Jagger replaced T Dubya as pitcher and really began to throw them some corkers. So much so infact that LLcoolRef suggested that he went to the allstar tryouts as he was a, and I quote, ‘natural’ pitcher. We were left in the final innings with 10 points needed to clinch the victory. However we just didn’t have it in us and the game finished 22-16. A hard fought game, full of ups and downs, it was a shame we let it slip away as we played some great softball at points.

Well done all involved, now lets look forwards to next game where we will be missing some vital players, so anyone who wants to become a ballbuster, step forwards and join our merry band, victory not guaranteed, but good times certainly are.

Till then…