Athlone and VOB set for do-or-die play-Off showdown
Mark Ward
Athlone Athletics will face VOB in the opening round of the play-offs after securing fifth place in the Major League standings at the conclusion of the final round of league fixtures.
The decisive play-off clash between Athlone and VOB is scheduled for the Chukker Road Sportsground on Saturday, setting up a compelling encounter between two sides who experienced contrasting fortunes in their final outings.
Kyle Ripepi Athlone’s Athletics stalwart on the plate the plate their during his side's final Cape Town Major League baseball match against Bellville, at the Park Town sports complex on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
VOB booked their play-off place with a 5–4 victory over Crusaders, while Athlone were on the receiving end of a heavy 11–1 defeat at the hands of a rampant Bellville outfit at the Park Town Sport Complex.
With this win, Bellville wrapped up the regular season in third position and produced a dominant all-round display to underline their title credentials. They will now turn their attention to a play-off meeting with Thistle.
Bellville took control of the contest against Athlone from the opening frame, when Allan Randall walked home for the first run. From that point on, it proved to be largely one-way traffic as Bellville maintained relentless pressure.
Bellville’s batter, Clayton Manuel, goes for the big hit against Athlone Athletics, during their final Major League baseball match, at the Park Town sports complex on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
Chad Morkel opened on the mound for Athlone and worked three innings before making way for Uzair Taliep. Morkel faced 22 batters and conceded three hits but found little support as Bellville continued to pile on the runs.
For the visitors, Bryce McClelland and Kian Africa shared pitching duties and combined effectively to keep Athlone’s batting line-up in check. Athlone, however, did threaten when they trailed 7–0 with the bases loaded. Luca Alexander walked home for their solitary run in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Athlone Athletics pitcher, Chad Morkel, on the mound during his side's final Major League match against Bellville, at the Park Town sports complex on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
One of Athlone’s few highlights came in the field. Despite trailing 7–0, shortstop Kyle Ripepi produced a sharp double play. He cleanly fielded the ball and flipped it to Alex Fortune at second base to dismiss Marshall Steyn, before Creedon Cockrell was also caught short in his attempt to reach first.
Elsewhere on the play-off schedule, second-placed Bothasig will enjoy home-ground advantage when they take on Battswood, as the race for the championship enters its decisive phase.
Bellville’s Bryce McClelland on pitching duty during his side's final Major league Baseball fixture against Athlone Athletics, at the weekend.
Image: Mark Ward