Grassy Park Crusaders make a statement with win

MARK WARD

Grassy Park Crusaders made a bold statement in the Cape Town Baseball Major League on Saturday when they produced a sparkling performance to beat Durbanville.

This lively match played at the Grassy Park sports ground saw the home side emerging emphatic 12-5 winners in a match which could pave the way for them to secure their status for next season as the second round gains momentum with Helderberg being their next opponents.

This is Crusaders’ first season back after a number of seasons in the lower leagues.

While the visitors took a 0-3 lead in their first turn at bat, Crusaders hit back with a six-run rally started by Ashwin Kleintjies 2/3 who brought in Chad Hine, while Chad Beukes clobbered a two base hit in the same frame to bring home Aqeel Josephs and Brandon Plaatjies.

The other batters to excel were Liam Samuels 2/3, and Brandon Plaatjies 2/4.

Grant Robertson, Crusaders head coach, says the result is just the right tonic going forward for his young chargers who are determined to restore the club’s status as a force in local baseball circles.

“Indeed, it is a great result. As I said before, we had a rush start to the season, but we are settling. The players are showing greater commitment and adapting to the rigours of the league. I’m therefore of the opinion that things can just improve going forward,” said Robertson.

Title chasing Bothasig meanwhile, thumped Thistle 18-0 in their fixture in Ottery. Dean Jacobs and Jarred Elario shared the pitching shores for the visitors.

Results:

VOB Macaws 9, Athlone Athletics 8; Bellville Tygers 10, Helderberg 0; Thistle 0, Bothasig Knights 18; Crusaders 12, Durbanville 5.