Sofball under-15 state championships draws a crowd at Mill Park

More than 500 players, spectators and officials gathered at Mill Park’s diamonds at the weekend when the Northern Softball @ Mill Park Association hosted under-15 state championships.

Both boys and girls were in action, and an all-star game between sides from the east and west was played on Sunday.

Association president Michael O’Brien said he was thrilled with the turnout.

“The weather held off on Saturday and apart from some rain early on Sunday, it’s been good,” he said.

“The competition was great. It was a lot of fun and we had a huge crowd.

“It was a privilege to host the event and showcase our facilities.”

The association’s side in the girls’ competition finished at the bottom of its group after losing three games.

It also lost three matches in the next stage of the competition, where the bottom two teams from each of the two pools played off.

“They’re a young side and came up against some stiff opposition,” O’Brien said.

“They’ll definitely learn from the experience and bring it back to club softball and at the championships next year.

“It was a great experience for them to play at their home diamond in front of their friends and families.”

O’Brien hopes that hosting the event will help increase numbers at the association.

“We have players from four years old playing tee ball to open-age competitions for both men and women,” he said.

“We’re always looking for more players.”

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