The cream rises

Don Burgess
Tuff Dogs won the inaugural Michael Preece Softball Tournament as expected, but BEST Shipping was the surprise runner-up. While A Division teams faltered around them, BESY made it to the finals by picking up a few players. What that says is that any B Division or A Division team can be competitive if it just tinkers with its lineup a little. Congrats to Tuff Dogs for winning, but also to BEST to making it an interesting run.

Comments

[sparxx]

Thanks for the props Don. BEST have come a long way from being in the "D" division what seems only yesterday. We have tried to keep it fun and along the way made good progress. Only when you understand where you have been can you appreciate the journey to where you are now.

While we had 2 guest players, there were other teams who tinkered far more and it's a credit to the regular players on BEST for understanding the good nature of the tournament and not getting upset or overwhelmed by the level of play.

Much credit goes to Tuff Dogs who still are the best team in Bermuda, and in the end we are glad to have provided a quality tournament in memory of a man who meant so much to softball in Bermuda.

Also want to make mention that along with the dedication to Mike Preece, we acknowledge Donald Tatem, who also passed recently. Donald was a prominent player and inspiration to many, including his son Jimmy who plays for BEST.

[Justin Barritt]

I'd just like to thank everyone who particapted in the Mike Preece Memorial it was an honour to play in a tournament for a man who meant so much to local softball.

I'd like to personally thank Charles who umpired every game of the whole tournament and also thanks to all who scorekept.

I thought it was quite fitting that the two teams who played the first games of the tournament also met in the finals.

Both teams hit well in the finals and the game was played in a good spirit.

I'd like to Thank Best for giving us a hard fight on the night and look forward to playing them in the A division in the future as they showed they can play with the "Big Dogs" in the A division for sure.

I am flattered with Tuff Dogs being called the Best team in Bermuda but I still believe that honour belongs to Sea Venture or P and M.