After Saturday's success, the Fenner girls softball team journeyed back to the ANU for the interhall grand final. This is the fourth time in four years Fenner has made the final. Coached by myself in 2005 and 2006, followed by Toby in 2007 we are yet to bring the trophy home. This year we joined skills, hoping that with our forces combined Captain Planet like power would spur us on to greater victory. 
The Softball Team
We entered this final undefeated, the first time in my coaching history. But B&G were not to be underestimated. Three North American students (to our one), spoke highly of their experience, and this was topped off by a shortstop that had represented at National level. But our girls had beaten them once, and with star pitchers Liz and Tracey and fielding combination Georgia (shorstop) and Shana (first base - remember her from Road Relay) we were more than ready.
The Fenner spectators
The game was high tense. Fielding first, Fenner proceeded to show why we were first on the table. An easy play from shortstop to first, a flyball out at second base, followed by an outfield catch by Louisa (also backing up from Saturday) at left field, which she made look easy. Three up three down - Fenner into bat. Unfortunately we were not able to capitalise as we to lost three successive batters.
Liz warms up her pitching arm and Boof readies her swingInnings two proved to be a bit more exciting. B&G's batters were a bit more succesful. Batter #4 (always the biggest hitter) started strongly and after we taken three outs they had run two batters home. With our big hitters still to come it shaped up to be a good innings. However, by the time we headed back out to the field for the third and final innings, only Shanna had made it home.
Last innings - Go Fenner!Our third at field didn't shape up well for us. Simple fielding errors including missed throws and dropped catches saw B&G score eight runs. Nine runs behind meant we had to bat big to win. 
Basic skill errors left Fenner in a bad spot and two somewhat unhappy coaches (check out Toby's cheek!)Toby and I made our first sub, bringing in specialist batter Laura. However despite our best efforts only Laura was able to make it home for the innings, leaving the final score 10-2 against.
For the fourth consecutive year we had to make do with second place.
For the fourth consecutive year we had to make do with second place.
Toby devastated in defeat
Sometimes the during these hard times we forget that for the entire season, we lost only one game. Despite the hurt the girls found time to celebrate second place.
Next term I look forward to coaching Volleyball (girls and guys team) and Inward Bound. Can I add a first place finish to the list of 2008 accolades?
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