New-Look GB Women So Close to a World Championship Place
A young and relatively inexperienced Great Britain Women’s
Softball Team missed out on the chance of competing on the
world stage next year by just one game, losing a tight decider
against the Netherlands in the 2005 European Women’s
Fastpitch Championships on 5 August. Finishing one position
out of the top three meant they didn’t qualify for the
2006 World Championships, but fourth place out of ten at the
Euros - held 31 July – 6 August in Prague – marked
a further improvement in GB’s European rating. Missing
key veteran players, and with only a week for the team to
train together prior to the competition, the initial disappointment
of the last game is now turning to an appreciation of what
the team achieved, and optimism for the future.
Great Britain played the Dutch twice on their last day of
competition, losing 8-2 in the morning’s final group
game of the second round, but forcing much closer the playoff
between the two in the afternoon, the winner of which would
be guaranteed at least third place overall. It turned out
that the turning point in the 3-1 defeat was due to one unforced
error by Britain, such a shame after GB had taken the lead
in the first inning and held the Dutch to a 1-1 tie from the
second inning until the mistake in the fourth. With two outs
and an opponent on second base, a routine throw from the British
catcher to the pitcher went astray and was allowed to reach
into centre field, enabling the baserunner to score the go-ahead
run. The moment proved a psychological advantage to the Dutch,
and a blow to GB, and they couldn’t get back into the
game.
To have lost in such a manner did not do the Great Britain
Women justice, and they should take heart from strong moments
they exhibited in the Championships, such as the very close
3-1 opening-game defeat to the favourites – and eventual
Champions – Italy, the run of three straight victories
from that point to reach the top group for the second round,
and the strong fight in the second game against the Netherlands
after losing to them that same morning. There is also much
hope for the future as 12 of the 17 squad members are under
22, including two promising 17-year-old pitchers. Great Britain
aim to continue their ascent whilst essential funding is available,
with the 2008 Olympics a major goal.
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