STELLARTON – Familiar faces captured the prize at the ladies ball tournament for Homecoming. It was a much harder road this time around but the Yankees, under the direction of captain Cindy Osmond, captured the Charlie Hafey Memorial Plaque for the second straight year.
They defeated the Orioles 12-8 in the final game at the Albion Field on Sunday.
"It is very gratifying to have the support offered by the coach of the Pictou County Molson Canadian Albions Chris Hatchard and the Stellarton Recreation Department in helping the Leo Fahey Twilight Softball League host this tournament during Stellarton's Annual Homecoming events,” said Twilight League representative Gus Fahey.
After cruising through the round-robin portion of the tournament by defeating the Orioles and Jays, the Yankees found themselves facing a five-run deficit entering the bottom of the third as the Orioles jumped out to a commanding 6-1 lead.
Natasha MacKenzie, who is developing into one of the league's premier shortstops, drove in three runs by connecting for a triple and three singles to pace the Yankees to their win.
Stacey Ferguson followed her five-hit attack on Saturday by walloping another three singles: a feat matched later by teammates Cindy Osmond and hurler Carol Hartling. Marlene Gray drove in two runs with a booming double to right centre followed by newcomer Samantha Williams’ two singles, which also drove in two runs.
Singles off the bats of Theresa MacDonald, Sue Rankin, Kristina MacDonald and slick fielding third baseman Christa Webber completed the remaining offensive attack.
The Yankees were presented with their rewards for their effort on Sunday upon the tournaments conclusion. “Today's presentation ceremony took on an extra meaning by having Charlie's brothers, sisters and mother take part in the presentation of awards,” said Fahey.
Ernie Hafey, a former Albion in 1965 presented the Silver Medals to the Orioles.
Former Canadian Middleweight Champion Lawrence Hafey presented the championship medals to the Yankees.
On Friday, former number-one world featherweight contender Art Hafey presided over the tournament's opening game.
On Sunday, Charlie’s sister, Alma Hafey, and her 91-year-old mother, Johanna Hafey, presented the Championship plaque.
“It was a wonderful tournament with a terrific well-played final game,” said Fahey. “We are certain that Charlie was that wind blowing constantly down the left field line."
