GUERNSEY returned as champions from their first Fastpitch Mixed Tournament. The Sarnians were unbeaten over the successful weekend held in Breal, France, as they defeated five other teams in games played over a one hour, 40min. period.

Although they got off to a slow start in the opening game against Thorigne with fly balls being caught by the opposition, excellent defending enhanced their confidence.

Eventually play settled down and later innings saw a flurry of solid hits that enabled Guernsey to finish comfortable 20-1 winners.

Le Mans were the Sarnians’ next opponents and this French side looked more confident behind a very good female pitcher, who made it difficult for the batters to hit low strikes.

However, as the innings went by, the Le Mans team made no impression on the excellent pitcher-catcher combination of Debbie Robinson and Sally Woolrich as Guernsey won 14-4.

In blistering heat the following day, the islanders could not get to grips with the bat for the first few innings against Rennes, but Jussie Smith scored their first run in the fifth which paved the way for others to follow suit, with Curt Taylor hitting his first home run over the boundary line.

The latter stages saw some excellent bunting by the women and great level hitting to finish the game 11-1.

Immediately after that match, Guernsey faced Brest, a positive side which kept the Sarnians quiet for the first three innings.

During the fourth, Brest tried their stealing tactics from first to second, only to be tagged out by centre fielder Glenn Cortez, who was covering second base.

The French side could not cope with some outstanding double plays and the match ended 21-2.

Guernsey were up against the host side, Black Panthers, in the final game and it was their tightest encounter.

The stealing was kept to a minimum by the superb home catcher but the Guernsey side worked hard and kept the pressure on by some great hitting by Sue Fish and Woolrich and home runs by Cortez and Taylor. The victory was secured 12-7.

To cap off the weekend for Guernsey, Robinson was named best pitcher and Cortez received the male MVP award.

‘The weekend was absolutely fantastic,’ said coach Jason Smith.

‘I was so proud of our Guernsey squad, especially Debbie Robinson who pitched the whole five games and kept great confidence and composure throughout.

‘Every player gave me 100% commitment and effort and supported each other as a team.’

Smith also paid tribute to the organisation of the tournament and the hospitality of the French.

‘We’ve made some great friends and hopefully this relationship will grow,’ he said.

‘We look forward to hosting our own tournament next year with a return visit to France and possibly entering other competitions based on the same format.’