Bears Slip Against Police On Muddy Pitch
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 16, 2017 15:27
The game started 30 minutes late due to a water-logged pitch.
Police IX batted first and Otsile Motshabe was given the responsibility. She had an opportunity to hit a home run but she played the ball out-field.
She was consequently given a free base after Bears’ young pitcher, Nozie Payet pitched three straight balls.
Bears was playing with young players while Police IX had an upper hand due to the quality they possessed.
Police IX finished the first inning with a point scored by Motshabe.
Segolame Raesima was sent to open batting for Bears. With a point down, the player knew what was at stake.
Unfortunately she found Police pitcher, Lebogang Budani in an uncompromising mood and her strikes were unstoppable. Raesima was quickly sent off.
Up next to try and get an equaliser for Bears was Tshepo Letsholo. She hit a long-ranger and made it to the first base. Her teammate, Rose Otlaadisang was unlucky as she was tapped while trying to make a run.
The player slipped and suffered an injury due to the muddy pitch.
The second inning saw Police IX and Bears failing to score. Bears catcher, Baboni Seretse failed to take advantage of high balls that were hit above her.
Police IX continued to dominate their opponents, scoring four points to make sure they leave with maximum points.
Bears coach, Nnana Lebeko told Monitor Sport after the match that the pitch was not in a good condition.
“We tried to stop the game from being played due to fear of injuries but our umpires decided that it should proceed. What we feared has happened, one of my players picked a knee injury,” she said.
Lebeko felt their concerns were not being listened to simply because they are women, pointing to the postponed men’s game between BDF IX and Blue Angels due to the bad condition of the pitch.
Police IX coach, Gaolebale Isaac said the game was a warm-up for the second round. The coach said the rain did not affect the game plan.
“Our plan is to get the championship. We want to win all the games but we have not added any new players. I might lose some players though,” Isaac said.
Bears: Baboni Seretse, Nozie Payet, Tshepo Letsholo, Basadi Fani, Bowane Neo, Segolame Raesima, Refilwe Seomile, Rose Otlaadisang and Lesego Rammusi.
Police: Lebogang Bundani, Charity Isaac, Tuna Mathame, Otsile Moshabe, Koketso Relaeng, Magdelene Mabutu, Kagiso Lowang, Onalenna Ntibi and Lebogang Bokhutlo.