Cronulla RSL Softball Club
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Cronulla RSL Softball Club -
2023 Premiers - B Grade
RSL B Grade remains reigning premiers for the third consecutive season after a triumphant 14-6 win. This team is forged by friendship and plays with so much passion. Always cheering on, supporting and uplifting each other.
With such an exceptional team, it's difficult to point out individuals as every player stepped up and performed when needed. In a very different competition to previous seasons, we sought to relieve Kate of sole pitching duties, with half the team having a go – special mentions go to Liz Gulson and Jenenne McKenzie for their consistent relief pitching throughout the season.
Ally Bold made a triumphant return to B Grade and with a bang, showing why she was selected for the Sydney East Softball representative team with multiple home runs in the season. Indi Murray shined in the outfield and at the plate, making clutch catches and sparking team rallies – her bat was always on.
And of course, Janice Brown, our most valuable person, who scored for us every week and (almost) never complained about our constant and last-minute position changes.
We played with fairness and kindness as we’ve come to expect from a Cronulla RSL team. Our mental toughness kept us poised even when we fell behind and our determination clawed us back into games. This team truly represents teamwork, and I couldn’t be any prouder. (Lisa Inglese Coach)
2023 Runners Up - Mixed
The majority of the 21/22 team returned this year, which was great to see! We also had some exciting new players join the team this season and welcomed Josh and Oakley. It was also great to have Brendan and Evan return after a few seasons off.
There were 6 teams in the Mixed competition this season. We had a strong team that played fairly throughout the year and always put in a full effort in all our games. We finished on equal first with only 1 loss and 1 draw throughout the season. RSLs for and against put us ahead of Sharks and we finished as Minor Premiers – a great achievement with such strong competition.
We won our Semi-final against Sharks and went straight to the Grand Final, with an incredibly dominant performance. Christi was unbeatable in the centre, and pitched an excellent game. Our batting was incredible, which put us in a great position. Unfortunately, things didn't go our way in the Grand Final and we finished the season in second place. The team should be proud of the effort they put in and the level of competition that they'd played at.
The team displayed their skills and teamwork throughout the season, and it was great to have so many versatile players who could play where needed on the diamond. Christi and Brendan were a dominant battery throughout the season, and Josh, Oakley, Brock and Sarah provided our strong defence consistently in the infield. We had many players who provided strong outfield defence when it counted, with special mentions to Aaron, Evan, Richard, Rob and Kaeden.
A massive thankyou to Marilyn for scoring, without all your support the team wouldn't be able to function or win games. Thank you to Shannon for scoring when needed, taking photos of our games and supporting and promoting our Facebook page.
RSL's Mixed team has always been a competitive force in this competition, and we hope to see everyone back for another great year.
To all our other loyal supporters and families, thanks for joining us and to the players, let’s do it again next season! (Sarah Jones and Andrew Hall Coaches)
2023 Semi Finalist - D Grade
Having never coached a team before we took on the challenge with an eager nervousness. We could never have predicted what was in store for us. The majority of the team had never played softball before and watching their skills improve so rapidly was the most rewarding part of the season.
This team displayed the true magic of softball – the friendships and comradery between each other and even the opposition. We’ve never seen a competition share so much laughter and fun between each other.
Despite making the Semi-finals, our first win remained elusive – we clinched two draws for the season against formidable competition with one against the eventual premiers!
We tallied up plenty of runs throughout the season – Sam Poulos and Antonietta Baldassarre seemingly always got on base, hitting to gaps and drawing in walks with their discipline and patience. There were always consistent hits from our clean-up batter, Jo Inglese, and clutch home runs from Lisanne Hyland, Lani Mossman and Amelia Thomas.
There was no shortage of passion from the team. Allie Tame played a clever second base, always calling the next play with their game awareness. Raewyn Katene showed off her versatility, playing nearly every position; she used her game intelligence to cause chaos on the base path, hitting to gaps and stealing bases.
The team had a real sense of seriousness about themselves in the semi-final against Brewers – we had come to play and play we did! After an early rally in the first few innings from the Brewers, RSL clawed back runs with an offensive momentum shift, scoring 6 runs in the last inning. Ultimately, beaten out by the clock, the RSL D Graders could hold their heads high at the efforts they had shown, playing their best game all season when it counted most. They played with the resilience and pride that Cronulla RSL players are known for.
It's difficult to select only a few players as standouts as each individual played with passion and enthusiasm, displaying true teamwork and strength together. It's easy to see this team growing into a formidable force in the near future, all whilst having a blast together.
Special mentions go to John Inglese who reluctantly scored every week, Andrew Hall as our interim coach, and to Richard Busch for his umpiring, scoring, base coaching and photography (we kept him busy!)
The entire D Grade competition remarked on how much of a joy it was to play you, and how your enthusiastic attitudes have rejuvenated the competition – all agreeing that RSL was the “Team of the Season” and we couldn’t agree more.
Thank you for being such a wonderful team to coach. (Lisa Inglese Coach)
2022 Premiers - B Grade
After a tumultuous off-season, our 2021-22 B Grade took it’s time in finding its feet this season and being a short season, we needed to pack wins on early otherwise we would run out of time.
Our first win of the season was in Week 3 against Scorpions (Or Gin Stingers or whatever they were called). Clarissa Sloane hit a right field home run with runners on deck to secure a 9-6 win. Still, it wasn’t easy going – games and training were cancelled due to wet weather. By mid-season we were languishing in 3rd place only a couple of points above 4th placed Gin Slingers.
With one (maybe two) training session under our belt after our return from Christmas break, we started the final series with an impressive knock-out win against Tigers to qualify for the Grand Final. The team played very well with impressive hitting, great pitching from Kate and Jaime and solid fielding. It was our “old” B Grade finally turning it on and it was great to see.
The Grand Final against Wave started well with RSL scoring 5 runs in the first innings. I always say to teams “Get your runs on early and make ‘em play catch up” which is exactly what we did. However, Wave were incrementally scoring runs here and there throughout the remainder of the game so by the time we reached bottom of the 5th innings the score was RSL 5 and Wave 3. The bottom of the 5th was a real nail biter: Wave were 1 out with loaded bases. Any hit would have had a dramatic outcome on the game with the winning run on first base. However, we held our nerve taking 2 outs with loaded bases to end the game as Premiers. It was a great game with everyone in the team participating and contributing. (David McGowan - Coach)
2022 Runners Up - Mixed B
This season the Mixed B team had a lot of people show interest in playing. We had a total of 16 registered players with a good mixture of senior, junior, new, and returning players.
The competition this year was evenly matched and included 6 very competitive teams.
With a shortened season of only nine rounds, we usually play eighteen, we met many challenges along the way, Covid and washouts to name a few and an inability to train due to playing fields being closed often, we always managed to field a competitive side each time we played.
We did extremely well later in the season winning some crucial games in the lead up to determine Final Series placings and were only pipped at the post by 1 point altering our final position from 3rd place to 4th which left us with a confirmed Grand Final berth in Division 2 against Tigers or Spider Monkeys.
As it played out Spider Monkeys, who had only won 1 game all season easily defeated Tigers in the Finals to gain entry into the Grand Final against Cronulla RSL.
Unfortunately, the result of the Grand Final did not go our way but the team gave it a fantastic effort against another great team.
A huge thank you to Marilyn for scoring, you did a great job. To our loyal supporters and families, thanks for joining us and to the
players, let’s do it again next. (Andrew Hall - Coach)
Highest Accomplishments.
In summing up our playing successes, it must be noted that all players, past & present in Cronulla RSL are outstanding. Whether they play socially or competitively, they inspire all of us to achieve all forms of greatness.
In every case, they all follow a very long list of exceptional players that have played and developed in our ranks at Cronulla RSL since our inception in 1974. To name a few
NAME HIGHEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Kylie Herbert, 2-time Olympian AUS,
SAL Hall of Fame
Belinda Ashworth 2-time Olympian AUS,
Malina Milson 2-time Olympian AUS
Sue Fairhurst 2-time Olympian AUS
Sasha Olsen 1-time Olympian CANADA, USA NCAA
Sarah Jones 4-time ISF World
Championships GB,
coach FRA National team 2016
Naomi Jones 2-time ISF World Championships GB
Celine Lassaigne ISF World’s FRA, GB,
USA NCAA currently coaching
the French National team
Christie Russell USA NCAA
Alison Bourne NSW U16, U19 & AUS U19
Georgia Phillips NSW U16, U19 & AUS U19 squad
Christine Hansel ACT U16
Ash Deen NSW U16, U19, Opens & AUS U19
Stuart Perry NSW U16, U19 & Opens & AUS U19
Kara Murphy US U23 Invitational,
NSW Open Women continuing
Beth Hobden NSW U17, AUS U19 squad
Jake (Laura) Passfield NSW U17, U19 & AUS U19
Emma Iuliano NSW U17, U19, U23 & AUS U23
Shannon Keevers RSL 2008-2014, debut NSW 2014 U17, NSW U19 & Opens & AUS 2017 U18, 2018 Opens – present, 2021 AUS Aussie Spirit Olympic Squad
Sasha Willems RSL 2011-2016, NSW PSSA & CHS, debut NSW 2018 U17, AUS U15, currently studying Howard Uni TX, USA
Suzanne Browne Memorial Trophy.
This award was initiated at the end of the 1988 season from a suggestion put forward by Susan Croaker and David Crowe. Suzanne Browne was a member of the Cronulla RSL Softball Club for 8 years. During the time, Suzanne played in a variety of junior and senior teams and served the club well in her capacity of player, umpire, and supporter. She was enthusiastic about everything involved with the sport & was a fine example of good citizenship within the youth club.
After gaining a good result in her HSC in 1985 at Woolooware High, Suzanne began studying at Wollongong University. Her university commitments and her involvement with her church made it necessary for Suzanne to end her softball career.
In 1986, shortly after commencing at the University, Suzanne's life was tragically ended in a road accident in Wollongong.
It would have been easy to forget the role Suzanne played in the life of our club.
Suzanne played in a variety of grades up to B Grade. She was not overly ambitious but liked the competition, the camaraderie within the teams. She enjoyed her Saturday softball. She did not become a star of the club. She was typical of the majority of players in the club who simply play because they enjoy the sport and are happy to enter into the club's activities with enthusiasm.
This is the idea behind this memorial. Suzanne typifies good sportsmanship and good club membership. It is important to remember that this trophy was never intended to go to the most outstanding player but to those who do not look for recognition and acknowledgment, those who are happy to play or work for the club in any capacity.
Previous recipients of the trophy are:
1987-88 Colleen Sheffield
1988-89 Heather McGuffie
1989-90 Rod Touzel
1990-91 Phil Croaker
1991-92 Pat Stoffels
1992-93 Georgina Rees
1993-94 Rebecca Robinson
1994-95 David McGowen
1995-96 Heidi Silva
1996-97 Jenny Moss
1997-98 Kristie Williams
1998-99 Marilyn Jones
1999-00 Jennifer Watt
2000-01 Margaret McKerihan
2001-02 Helen Hamilton-Foster
2002-03 Joanne McGowen
2003-04 Rye Cook
2004-05 Janice Brown
2005-06 Joanne McGowen
2006-07 Janice Brown
2007-08 Michael Thorne
2008-09 Nadine Denten
2009-10 Julie Patterson
2010-11 Liz Whittingham
2011-12 Marilyn Jones
2012-13 Janice Brown
2013-14 Kate Baird
2014-15 Amanda Wyburn
2015-16 not presented
2016-17 Liz Gulson
2017-18 Liz Gulson
2019-21 not present Covid19
2021-22 not presented
2022-23 not presented
The Umpire Encouragement Award.
The Umpire Encouragement Award is a perpetual trophy donated by Dianne Cawston in recognition of the efforts of members of the club in the field of umpiring. The trophy is to encourage uniform of the “Blues” with pride & impartiality. Many of the recipients of this trophy have achieved their Australian Level 1 Umpiring.
1993/94 - Emily Cawston
1994/95 - Hope McGuffie
1995/96 - Sarah Elliott
1996/97 - Jennifer Watt
1997/98 - Tal Thorne
1998/99 - Mark Bucciarelli
1999/00 - Gavin Bunker
2000/01 - Stuart Watt
2001/02 - Tal Thorne
2002/03 – not presented
2003/04 - Danielle Downer
2004/05 - Karina Hansen
2004/05 - Kinesha Tehaara
2005/06 -Megan Smith
2006/07 – not presented
2007/08 - Rebecca Palmer
2008/09 - Cassie Bradshaw
2009/10 - Brendan Paul
2010/11 - Jackson Towns
2011/12 - Jackson Towns
2012/13 - Jake Rigney
2013/14 - E Cussen/L McGowen
2014/15 - Charlotte Guest
2015/16 – not presented
2016/17 - Kaitlin Walsh
2017/18 - Richard Busch
2018/19 – not presented
2019/20 – not presented Covid
2020/21 – not presented
2021/22 – not presented
2022/23 – not presented
The Ezzy A Grade Trophy
The Ezzy Trophy is a perpetual trophy awarded at Softball’s Annual Presentation Night. It was donated to Cronulla RSL by Max & Jan Ezzy, who were a hardworking couple for the club and had 2 daughters who played for many years for RSL.
They decided to donate this trophy to acknowledge the efforts of a player amongst the "A" Grade ranks who was not necessarily the star player of the team, but a good club player who contributed to the team & club through their efforts of good sportsmanship
The trophy has "Most Consistent Player" inscribed on it and the recipient was to display throughout the season the spirit, character & fortitude that would set them apart as a recognisable role model.
In the past it had been seen as the club trophy that marks the pinnacle of a player's life with the club. It is the Premier accolade that any player could wish to receive. Those that do, receive it with tremendous pride, humility, and respect as so few actually get to see, let alone receive, the honour that is due to them.
*** The Ezzy trophy is only presented when Cronulla RSL enters teams in the local A Grade competition
Previous winners of the trophy are:
1980/81 - Helen Hillier
1981/82 - Carolyn Borck
1982/83 - Kylie Rustin
1983/84 - Sharyn Girdler
1984/85 - Sarah Drew
1985/86 - Stacey Crammond
1986/87 - Kellie Thomas
1987/88 - Kim Stoffels
1988/89 - Debbie Blackmore
1989/90 - Malina Milson
1990/91 - Colleen Sheffield
1991/92 - Michelle Buckle
1992/93 - Colleen Sheffield
1993/94 - Jennifer Ware
1994/95 - Sharyn Girdler
1995/96 – Emma Baxman
1996/97 – not presented
1997/98 – not presented
1998/99 – Sue Fairhurst
1999/00 – Kim Hayes
2000/01 – Collie Patterson
2001/02 – not presented
2002/03 – Naomi Jones
2003/04 – Naomi Jones
2004/05 – Christine Hansel
2005/06 – Xanthe Axford
2006/07 – Ashleigh Deen
2007/08 - Ashleigh Deen
2008/09 - Katie Serjeantson
2010/11 – Christi Russell
2012/13 – not presented
2014/15 – Nadine Denten
2009/10 - Naomi Jones
2011/12 - Sarah Jones
2013/14 – Shannon Keevers
2015/18 – not presented
2018/19 – Sarah Evans
2019/23– not presented
2020/21 – not presented
2021/22 – not presented
2022/23 – not presented
Junior Coaching Encouragement Award
First presented at the 1999/2000 presentation, this award was donated by Marilyn Jones as a way of encouraging older Junior members to commence a career in coaching.
Many representative players, even at a young age, are positive role models for those younger than themselves and make ideal coaches.
This award then, is a means to encourage them to begin their coaching career, and once commenced, to improve themselves by gaining formal NCAS accreditation and valuable experience coaching representative teams.
1999/00 - Sarah Jones
2000/01 – Jennifer Watt & Rachael Powell
2001/02 – Kate Symonds
2002/03 – Allyson Newman
2003/04 – Jane Brooks
2004/05 – Rebecca Palmer & Lauren Murphy
2005/06 – Jaime Lee Rolph
2006/07 – Katie Serjeantson & Amber Seggie
2007/08 – Nadine Denten
2008/09 – Brendan Paul & Katie Whittingham
2009/10 – Nadine Denten
2010/11 – Emma Baird
2011/12 – Aaron Peachey & Nicole Betts
2012/13 – not presented
2013/14 - Emma Baird
2014/23 - not presented
Kristie Williams Memorial Trophy
This award was initiated at the end of 2001 and was donated by Terry & Janet Williams in memory of their daughter Kristie, whose life was taken at a young age.
Kristie typified the RSL spirit: displayed good sportsmanship at all times; was a great all-rounder; always made the best contribution possible to her team – whilst not always being the star player, Kristie was more than happy to continue with her softball as she just loved being a part of a team, and being involved in a sport she loved.
2001–02 Melissa Gilligan
2002–03 Rachel Priddell
2003–04 Ashleigh Deen
2004-05 Katie Serjeantson
2005-06 Carly Lloyd
2006-07 Kate Baird
2007-08 Tom Wood
2008-09 Sarah Betts
2009-10 Katie Whittingham
2010-11 Nadine Denten
2011-23 not presented
Junior A Grade Trophy
The Junior A Grade Trophy was initiated in 1996 when Joanne McGowen noticed a need to recognise and honour our outstanding players in the junior club. This award symbolizes the pinnacle of our junior awards and represents exceptional achievement, spirit, dedication, determination and leadership by a playing member of the Cronulla RSL junior ranks.
Athletes chosen for this award display their love and understanding of the game and aspire to achieve higher levels within our sport. Some will continue onto State and National levels later in their playing careers while others will excel purely at Club or local level, but either way these players are consistent in their application and understanding of the game they play.
1997-98 Sarah Jones
1998-99 Sarah Jones
1999-00 Kate Te Hira
2000-01 Melki Neeson
2001-02 Lenny Murupaenga
2002-03 Tahlia Tito
2003-04 Christine Hansel
2004-05 Ashleigh Deen
2005-06 Georgia Phillips
2006-0 7 Rosie Axford
2007-0not presented
2008-09 Georgia Phillips
2009-10 Aaron Peachey
2010-11 Kate Baird
2011-12 Shannon Keevers & Megan Westwood
2012-13 not presented
2013-14 Sasha Willems
2014-16 not presented
2016-23 not presented