The Bracknell Scorchers will go into the Indoor League Christmas break top of the table following an unbeaten start to the season. Following on from their 2-0 start, they went into week 3 facing the Blue Sox, who were just starting their campaign, and Thames Valley, who also started the season 2-0.
Going into the first game against the Blue Sox, the Scorchers knew they needed an undefeated evening to stay top, and with TV in their second game, there was no room for slip-ups, even this early in the season.
In a very high scoring encounter, both teams struggled with pitching early on, the batters certainly were on top as the teams combined for an impress 70 runs in their two 7-minute innings. In the end, the two teams were separated by a couple of hits a the Scorchers ran out 38-32 winners.
With a win under their belts, the Scorchers could sit back and watch as TV them took on the Blue Sox.
The first game was a definite warm-up for the Blue Sox, having got most of their cobwebs out the system, they proved a more stern test for TV. Having looked imperious in their opening week, TV could quite reach those heights in this encounter. The Blue Sox wouldn’t go away, no matter how well TV batted and fielded. As with the first game it went down to the wire with the Blue Sox registering their first win of the campaign with a 24-20 victory.
That result meant the final game of the night was very much a battle for Christmas top spot. The meeting between the two best teams in the league so far didn’t disappoint.. This was a close game, with defences on top and runs at a premium. Both teams taking any chances to gain an extra base and home runs celebrated a little more.
In the end neither team could be separated and for first time since 2018 we have an indoor league game end in a draw, 19-19. A draw on reflection was probably a best result for the game. That draw was enough to put the Scorchers on top as they finished their first 4 games. For TV they have to wait for the final week to see where they end up at the break. With the Blue Sox and Jets both on 4 points and a possible 6 points on offer in week 4, TV could find themselves 3rd.
Lots still to play for as we approach the Christmas break and full 10 weeks of action to come in the new year.
