THE Ascot Blues started their softball season in impressive fashion finishing as runners up in the first Windsor & Maidenhead League tournament of the year.

Playing in Farnham Royal, they won all four of their group matches before being narrowly beaten by the Berkshire Bears in the final.

Competing against 12 teams from across the south of England Ascot got off to a slow start in their first group fixture against a works team called Spam.

They shipped eight runs in the first inning, but a switch in the pitching changed their fortunes and they eventually ran out comfortable 17-13 winners.

Next up for the Blues was big-hitting Shafting, who had travelled up from Portsmouth. Tight fielding from the Blues allowed them to sneak a narrow 15-13 win, which was followed up by two more wins against Thames Valley and London team, Vampire Batters.

This put Ascot into a tense final against the Berkshire Bears. Going into the last inning the Blues had a three-run lead, but Berkshire finished strongly to take the crown.

Captain of Ascot Blues, Wayne Vincent, said: "The team played well throughout the day. There were no individual stars, just everyone pulling together to hit well and great defence in the field. To lose so closely in the final like that was no shame." The Blues' regular season started on Saturday, and they are still keen to add to their squad with men and women of any levels of experience.

For more information see www.ascotblues.co.uk