Page 56 - Sandgate Guide October Issue

CROWING
FOR SUCCESS
Story Wayne I Flack RPhoto Bruce Redman
eturning stronger than ever, Brighton Roosters softballers are looking forward to stepping up to the home
plate for the start of the season.
Doubling in size from last year, the club will field three senior ladies’ teams; U16s, U14s, and U12s teams; and two t-ball teams for five- to nine-year- olds.
Brighton Roosters Softball Club secretary Tracey Rhys said the teams had been in pre-season training every Wednesday night since 19 August.
“All the players are excited to start the season, especially the little ones, as some have never played before, but a lot are coming back again and eager to play as they haven’t been able to do anything for months.”
“The grand finals were cancelled when last season was cut short, where we had a ladies A3 team reach the prelim final,” Tracey said.
The club is affiliated with Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association and plays all its games on Saturdays against other clubs at Betty Paxton Fields, Boardman Road, Redcliffe.
The club has rep players in the form of Under 14 girls Kyndra O’Brien and Eva Warner, and Under 14 boy Ashdyn Brake. Under 12s Ruby
Irvine also plays in the schoolgirls’ competition, Met North.
Last year the Roosters shared club of the year with Redcliffe Cougars. Two years prior the Roosters received the association’s junior club of the year after reaching the finals in all grades.
The club has been working hard to hold and transition its under 16s into the senior level, as well as
actively encouraging the juniors to bring a friend along each week.
Like most community sports, the Roosters relies on its hard working volunteers such as committee members, game officials and coaches for each team.
Tracey Rhys said she had coached for ten years, scored games, and was there all day every Saturday.
“It’s really good watching the kids grow and seeing their smiling faces when they come off,” she said.
“I still see some of the kids I coached back when they first started t-ball, and seeing them still playing now is something I love.”
The official season starts 17 October. For more information on how to support the Roosters visit www.brightonsoftball.com.au
Tegan Rhys, Morgan Rhys, Braxton O’Brien, Tracey Rhys, Kyndra O’Brien
56 SANDGATE GUIDE