The diamonds were full to the brim on Saturday, as the Sherwood Knights hosted the Makayla Classic softball tournament.
The tournament, which raises funds to help fight and raise awareness of cystic fibrosis, has been run by the Sunbury-based club since 2011.
Knights president John Kenny is the brains behind the event, which is named after his god-daughter Makayla, who has the disease.
“We didn’t know much about CF until she was diagnosed,” he said.
“We decided we wanted to hold a tournament and raise funds and awareness.
“We get the younger kids involved and get Sunbury kids to umpire some really good players without the pressure.”
Five teams participated this year – a Sherwood Knights side, the Victorian under-19 and under-17 teams, Springvale Whitesox and Laverton.
Makayla was in attendance and presented the trophy to the winning team.
Kenny said that every year teams wanted to be involved in the day.
“With the Victorian teams, they like to give the players some experience of live play,” he said.
“We have a close relationship with Laverton and they always want to be involved.
“Springvale does a lot of development with their kids, so it’s good to have them involved.”
Several Victorian players and top-level umpires were in attendance on Saturday to give some advice and support.
The event also acted as a season starter for the Knights, who will again play in the Sunbury Softball Association, with the season beginning on October 14.
The Knights are looking to continue the success from last season, when they won the mixed under-13 and under-17 competitions, as well as those for men and women.
They’re looking to field teams in all those age groups again, as well as under-15 teams.
Russell Coleman said the Knights wanted to add the extra age group so there wasn’t such a big jump going from under-13s to under-17s.
He said they were still looking for players from all age groups. The club caters for all standards and has several players in state teams.
“We’re always wanting to get people involved, whether they’ve played or never played before,” he said.
“All the games are played on Saturdays in Sunbury and it can help people keep fit.”
To donate, go to www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/all/donations/
