RICHMOND - Final game of the regular season had the Dragons facing a somewhat unknown entity in Bracknell Pyros as the Richmond squad travelled down the M4 to make up a rain date from May.
The first matchup in the series in week 2 was a very un-even contest with the Dragons running ram shod over the newcomers, clinching a mercy rule shortened 25-5 win. However, the Pyros results have improved and they beat London Marauders convincingly in week 8 after coming close against play off contenders Braintree Rays. Richmond travelled with a somewhat thin but experienced squad, knowing a win would clinch the overall top spot in Single A and home field advantage throughout the play-offs.
“Whilst it would have been easy to discount the Pyros considering our first win, I’ve seen enough upsets in this league over the years to not take wins for granted” said Dragons manager Nick Hadley.
The Dragons started well with a 6 run first, but the Pyros showed a massively improved batting ability and the game was tied 10-10 after 3 innings.
In the 4th Richmond broke the game open with a 2 RBI double by Tony Foot and another RBI hit by Stuart Hendry to take a three run lead. The game then turned from a slugging fest into a defensive battle with 2 ½ innings of shut out ball from both teams.
Due to miscommunication within the Bracknell club, the AAA team playing on the field prior to the Dragons-Pyros matchup had not been informed of the additional game so their starting time had not been adjusted. This led to a very late 5.40pm first pitch and going into the 6th inning both teams agreed that the light would not allow any more innings.
The Dragons, keen to go home and to get the win failed to drive Alvin Michael at third whilst facing Pyros hard-throwing relief pitcher Huxley, so they needed to hold the Bracknell side to two runs or less in the bottom of the 6th. Nerves came into the game now as the first batter reached on an error and was promptly driven home by Bracknell’s catcher Size. Ian Cox, now pitching on fumes, struck out the next two batters before allowing a double which put the game tying run in scoring position.
With a full count, and the runner now at 3rd, Dragons catcher called for a curveball, the Dragons held their breath and…..STRIKE 3 SWINGING! Game over and pandemonium as the Dragons let out a huge sigh of relief and celebrated the team’s first ever top finish and best ever regular season record at 11-2.
“The Pyros have improved enormously over the season and it was another highly enjoyable game played in the best of atmospheres”, said Hadley. “With our starter Per Nilsson-Eklöf on the DL, Ian performed brilliantly on the mound and led us to a hard fought, tense but ultimately ever-so-sweet victory. Whilst the closeness of the game makes for tense nerves, I’d take a win like this over a blowout victory every day.”
“It was also good for the team to have a close game and be forced to step up as a team as I have no doubt that the play off game(s) will be hard fought.”, finished Hadley.
The Dragons now face the Knights in an exhibition game on the 14th which no doubt will be followed by joint celebrations of both the Knights and Dragons top spots in their respective leagues. As Pool B in the Single A division will go to the wire the Dragons opposition is yet to be determined, but due to their record the Dragons will host the first round in Richmond on Saturday the 21st of August.
