Bega softball gala day backs Britton family

THE Bega Softball Club donated over $700 towards the Jacqui Britton memorial fund on the weekend. 

The money was raised from the inaugural mixed slow-pitch gala day aimed at welcoming newcomers to the sport of softball and getting some men back on the field said spokeswoman Kirsty Umbers. 

“The total from the day was $700, which came from registrations, a donation bucket and the proceeds from the barbecue,” Umbers said. 

A collection by club members during the touch football finals also netted over $300, with the donation to totalling about $1000. 

Organisers had originally planned to donate half the proceeds to the new regional hospital, but upon hearing the tragic news opted to support the Britton family. 

“It’s definitely a worthwhile cause, it turned out to be a bit of a charity and fun day combined,” Umbers said. 

Six teams signed on for the mixed gala day event and enjoyed a round-robin tournament. 

Slow-pitch is an exhibition style of play that is less competitive than the regular format. 

“It was just to get some interest back in softball,” Umbers said. 

“But people who’ve never played before can get out and have a go, it’s for men, women and even high school aged kids.”

Umbers said as the inaugural event she was very pleased with the turnout and the response has been hugely positive. 

“Half the people who played aren’t from the regular women’s competition,” Umbers said. 

“A day like that was great to get players who have never played before. 

“We had all sorts of people and the games were played in good spirits.”

An encouraging sign of good fun was those willing to be a little foolish as Anthony Back donned a frilly skirt for his turn at the pitch. 

Based on the response from Saturday’s games despite a heavy smattering of showers, there is potential to run two gala days a year Umbers said. 

“We’d like to think we could run two a year if people are keen enough,” she said. 

Having six teams provided a good basis as the club hosted five games on the day. 

“Every team got to play each other once.

“We just had the five games on the day, we were planning on running a final for the top two teams, but the way the weather turned, everyone was just as happy to have a drink and socialise.”

Umbers said she was grateful to Melanie Lockerbie and her parents Larry and Betty, who both ran the barbecue and prepared the grounds for Saturday’s event. 

“It was so great to have them, they raked the field and ran the barbecue, cooking all the goodness,” she said with a laugh. 

The day also raised some valuable funds for the local softball club and Umbers is excited about promoting the sport. 

“Everyone enjoyed the day and we can’t wait for the next one,” she said.