Travelling to Cringila Mariners started with three substitutes and players fielding out of position –  it was always going to be hard. Mariners led off the batting with four players getting to first, eventually scoring a single run. Changes and errors made it tough for Ben Campbell on the mound – 46 pitches for 17 strikes with 1 strike out – saw 12 Cardinals face up, making 4 hits and scoring 10 runs. Ben Quincey came on to pitch and closed out the first innings.

Mariners came out with a positive attitude seeing the team bat through with hits to Stuart Raymond, Austin Raymond, Ben Campbell, Stephen Pearson, Greg Symmans and Ben Quiney. Hayley Keith and Chris Keith also made it on base. Four runs were scored. Cardinals answered with some solid batting scoring a further six runs. Two more runs by Mariners were answered by a further three by Cardinals. In the last innings Mariners led off with a solid hit by Chris Keith, eventually batted in for their only run that dig. Cardinals were also restricted to a single run.

Well done to Steven Pearson taking up the catching position and working with the two Bens taking on pitching duties. Ben Quiney finished with 50 strikes in his 70 pitches. Every player for Mariners got on base at least once – Chris Keith and Greg Symons getting on base 3 out of 3. Great batting practice but still Mariners went down 20-8. Next time we will be at full strength.