Softball thrills in Bass Coast

SOFTBALL interest is increasing in Bass Coast.

A come and try session was held at the Newhaven Recreation Reserve last Friday night.

This was a Bass Coast Softball Association initiative in partnership with VicHealth and Softball Victoria.

“We are a new association trying to introduce Bass Coast to the sport of softball,” Bass Coast Softball vice president Melony Grand-Court said. 

“Jo Schutt from Softball Australia put an expression of interest out all over Bass Coast to see who was interested in softball, where they would like to see it, what ages, and from that we are trying to plant the seed, see what we can do and if we can grow it.” 

On Friday at Newhaven, participants were divided into U12 and U16 age groups to take part in an interactive warm up and throwing drills, culminating in a game of modified softball. 

The Newhaven session was held off the back of a successful five-week miniseries in Bass over winter.

The miniseries attracted around 40 participants each week.

Another come and try session will be held at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve this Friday at 5pm.

“We’re trying to see if we’ve got a bit of interest on Phillip Island and in Wonthaggi,” Melony said.

“From here, we are looking at doing a six to eight week season. Hopefully, with a team from each location, we will be able to come together every week and play against each other.

“We have a lot of schools that do play softball that are quite successful. Bass Valley Primary School won districts in softball and one of the girls Gemma (Schumack) plays U14s for Victoria – but there’s nothing down here for them to play regularly.”

Melony and fellow Bass Coast Softball Association committee member Shelly Spencer travel at least three hours each week to play softball.

With enough interest, the association is hoping to form a competition to allow young players the opportunity to experience the sport locally.

The Newhaven and Wonthaggi training sessions have been funded by Softball Victoria, Softball Australia and VicHealth, who also provided the training gear and offer training courses for coaches.

The mini season is set to be launched on Friday, November 10.

It is anticipated the mini season will be played at the Bass Recreation Reserve.