The Yuelamu Eagles triumphed at the Central Desert Shire Softball Tournament in a thrilling final held at Six Mile, Ti Tree. Yuelamu overcame strong performances from reigning champions Engawala and home team Six Mile. 

At the bottom of the last scheduled innings with two out and two on base Yuelamu Eagles required two runs to take the lead and the championship. Kirsty, who had starred all day with the bat, added to the atmosphere by striking twice before she hit a line drive to the outfield. The ball was scooped up and thrown to beat Kirsty to first base but not before another Eagles batter crossed home plate and tied the scores.

Yuelamu went on to hold Engawala scoreless in the tie breaker innings despite very close calls. Head referee Sam Fisher excelled in the tense environment managing to keep both players and spectators on side. However Yuelamu were able to survive the tiring Crows in the final innings and went on to outscore them and triumph.

Engawala’s pitcher, Suzie Williams, played a crucial role for her team throughout the tournament and whilst she was unable to win the game for her team the Crows could not have made it that far without her. Suzie’s contribution was awarded the trophy for the tournament’s Best and Fairest.

Yuelamu Eagles will now precede to the NT championships to be held in Darwin in early August where they will take on the best teams from across the Territory. Yuelamu was also awarded with a complete and brand new softball kit and will have their name engraved on the perpetual trophy donated by Karl Hampton.

The tournament was part of the Central Desert Shire’s strategy to increase the number and quality of sports competitions within its communities. The Softball championship is in its fourth year however the Shire is seeking partners to deliver other competitions for men, women and children.

The event was made possible through the dedicated work of Central Desert Shire Council employees and funding from the Department of Health and Ageing and the Northern Territory Government’s NRETAS.

Softball teams from all over Central Australia will converge on Ti Tree for the finals for the fourth annual Central Desert Shire Softball Championship on Saturday 30th of June.

The softball tournament brings teams from across the Central Desert Shire to compete for the prestigious Championship Trophy and a chance to play against the Territories’ best in the NT Softball Champions in Darwin.  Twelve teams have been involved in the competition.  Sport and Recreation officers have been working with women from each of the communities to develop skills in playing and managing the sport.  This program was developed as a result of requests by a number of the communities and has received ongoing strong involvement by all community members.  The Council is very happy to encourage and support such community initiatives and over the last 3 years has grown and developed this program in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. 

The winning team shall receive:

• Recognition on the perpetual trophy, donated by Karl Hampton 
• A Trophy 
• Medals for each player (runner up team also receives medals)
• A brand new softball kit. 
• A trip to Darwin to compete at the NT Softball Championship. 

Division competitions have already commenced with the Engawala Crows defeating both the Engawala Hawks and a combined Atitjere and Number Five team to secure their place in the finals. The remaining Shire communities will compete over the next two weeks for their place in the finals and the opportunity to travel to and compete in Darwin.

Last years’ winners of the Central Desert Shire Softball Championships, the Engawala Crows, went on to be runners-up in the NT Softball Championships, a great achievement for first time entrants.  

The competition is supported by the Department of Health and Ageing and the Northern Territory Government’s Department Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport. 

A fundraising BBQ will also be run on the day to support the program.  

All are welcome to attend.