Windsor and Maidenhead Softball League May Review

Fresh from their victory in the First Ball tournament, Windsor Knights set out their Windsor and Maidenhead Softball League title credentials with a resounding 17-2 victory over 2013 Division 1 champions BA Jets. The Knights followed this up with another convincing 26-11 victory over Wildcats to complete their 100% record after two games. They are not the only team with a 100% record however, and having played an extra game, the team at the top of the table is Chalfont Phoenix. Phoenix started the season on a high by claiming bragging rights over local rivals Chalfont Flames with a close fought 20-15 victory and this was followed up by wins over Richings Park Eagles and BA Jets.

BA Jets are still suffering their hangover from last year's title victory with two defeats from two games leaving them rooted at the foot of the table. In fairness to the current champions however, they have played two of the favourites for this year's title so will no doubt be back to winning ways before long.

Richings Park Hawks will also think of themselves as potential title challengers with two win from their opening three games, including a close 21-20 victory over Maidenhead Royals and a win over Chalfont Flames. Despite the agony of that narrow defeat, the Royals bounced back straight away with an 18-13 victory over Chalfont Flames to keep themselves in contention.

In Division 2, RG Blue Sox have developed a new lease of life since their recent club restructuring with three wins out of three. The Blue Sox, now a single team rather than a club and are based in Reading while playing out of Farnham Park, scored comfortable wins over Bracknell Scorchers, Chalfont Firebirds and Richings Park Hawks. They are not on their own at the top of the table though, but are joined by Rattlesnakes, now based in Cox Green rather than Farnham Park, who also have three wins from three games. Rattlesnakes recorded victories over Maidenhead Rebels, Marlow Mariners and BA Flyers. Both teams are clearly favourites for the title and promotion to Division 1.

As with Division 1, the 2013 champions - Chalfont Firebirds - seemed to be struggling to reach the same heights as they did last year. With defeats in the two opening games against BA Flyers and RG Blue Sox, the club have only just started to find their form of last year with a win over Maidenhead Rebels.

At the bottom end of the table, league newcomers Marlow remain winless despite having produced some great performances this season and are certain to beat last season's record of one win from 16 games.

With a view to raising the standard of softball in the region even further, the Windsor and Maidenhead District Mixed Softball League has set up a new development league that takes place on Wednesday evenings at Farnham Park. The league is for anyone aged 14 years or more and is new to the game. It is a chance to develop softball skills in an informal yet competitive environment with qualified coaches to provide training and support needed in order to bring the best out of players.