Five teams kicked off the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Primary Schools double-elimination softball tournament at the E. Walwyn Brewley Softball Park on Saturday.
In the opening game, Jost Van Dyke jumped out to a 5-1 lead with a homer and a triple over Enis Adams, before Enis Adams came back with five runs in the top of the third inning for a 9-6 lead, en route to a 12-8 victory.
Ebenezer Thomas broke a 1-1 first inning tie with Willard Wheatley, then built and 8-3 edge, as Willard Wheatley left the bases loaded in the second inning. Willard Wheatley pulled within two, but Ebenezer Thomas came up with two more runs for a 10-6 victory.
With both Jost Van Dyke and Willard Wheatley suffering losses, they met knowing that the loser will be eliminated from the tournament. Jost Van Dyke came up with four runs in the top of the first inning before Willard Wheatley cut the deficit to 4-3. Willard Wheatley went ahead 5-4 in the second inning before Jost Van Dyke came back to tie it at 5-5. Jost Van Dyke did not score in their last at bat and Willard Wheatley capitalised on walks to edge Jost Van Dyke, 6-5.
With Enis Adams sitting on a bye, Ebenezer Thomas came up with eight runs in the first inning and went on to an 8-2 lead over Pelican Gate. Ebenezer Thomas used their experience to go on to a 16-3 win.
Pelican Gate in their next encounter, came out of the gate with four runs against Willard Wheatley in the top of the first inning. Willard Wheatley took a 6-4 advantage over Pelican Gate, but Pelican Gate quickly fought back with four runs for an 8-6 advantage.
However, Willard Wheatley flexed their muscle with eight runs in the third inning and went on to a 17-11 victory. With two losses, Pelican Gate is now out of the competition.
Games continue on June 3 at the E. Walwyn Brewley Softball Park, with Enis Adams taking on Ebenezer Thomas. The loser will face Willard Wheatley.
The Virgin Gorda Zone of the competition will take place on June 10 in The Valley, Virgin Gorda. The winner will face the winner of the Tortola Zone later on.
“While several teams pulled out at the last minute, we had five teams, saw a lot of talent and the games were very competitive and, as we come towards the end, they will get better and better,” Terrance “Terry” Chinnery said. “After this is finished and school starts again, I will be going to the schools and working personally with them and this will be way better next year.”
Mr. Chinnery said he saw a lot of enthusiasm with the players and asked if it can be done again.
“Jost Van Dyke really loved it and it gave them a chance to come out and meet other people,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of talented girls and there’s a future for them in softball and baseball for the guys.”
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