A walk off hit by Bats infielder Tim Clough put an end to a spirited fightback by the Brunels in the Bristol derby at Somerdale Pavilion on Sunday.
With scores tied in the fifth inning of the second game, Clough hit the ball through the Brunels infield to score catcher Tom Rowe to claim a 12-11 victory.
The Brunels offense matched the Bats throughout the game and drew level with a dramatic four run, fifth inning.
Michael Comport, Jo Sutcliffe, Charlie Turner and Rich Evans all had multiple hit games for the Brunels with Charlie Turner striking out four Bats from the mound.
Anthony Desgardin had three hits and three RBIs for the Bats before Clough added his walk off hit.
The first game was less close with the Bats winning 20-10 behind a strong pitching performance from Ty Porter and 15 stolen bases.
Despite the victory, the Bats narrowly failed to make the play offs with the Cardiff Merlins remained unbeaten after the Bournemouth Bears forfeited the fixture in Wales.
“The Brunels pushed us hard in both games and while we are delighted with the two wins, it is disappointing to miss out on the playoffs after a pretty successful season,” said player manager Tom Rowe.
For the Brunels, whose roster contains 75% of players players in their first season, the 2021 campaign has been a success.
“The commitment by every member of the Brunels has been amazing. They come to training, listen and learn and are now performing exceptionally well,” said player manager Rich Evans. “As well as our five wins, we have had some brilliant performances against the Cardiff Merlins and the Bats. The club is well set for the future.”
The Bobcats travelled to London for the last round of the national women’s tournament but lost both games.
Sheffield Bruins won the first game 7-4 and the Telford 26ers walked off the second game to win 7-6.
Dani Season, Becky Cottrell and Caitlin Frank were the Bobcats MVPs on the day.
“We have done exceptionally well despite the overall results and with recruitment and player development during the off season, we can look forward to a great 2022,” said Molly Willcox, player manager of the Bobcats. “The women’s game is strong and can only get stronger next year.”
The Buccaneers finished their season with two losses to the Cornish Claycutters going down 19-13 and 16-7.
Sam Bluett, Jake Harris Josh Williams-Trim and Phil Midgley batted well driving seven runs with Alex Benson scoring three times and getting two hits.
The second game also went against the Buccaneers despite Emma Dunleavy-Harris and Dani Searson batting well.
“Its been a really tough season for us but we never gave up on the field,” said Josh Williams-Trim. “There is plenty to take away for next season and a lot of lessons to be learnt.”
Next Sunday the Badgers return to action against SW Rebeldes in their BBF AAA finale and the Bats take on the SWWBL Severn Division champions the Cardiff Merlins to round off their season.