Under threatening skies and lingering concerns about club constitution, the Newtown Sandy Hooks arrived at early dawn at the mouth of Long Island Sound and the Thames River to face their next challenge in the ought-nine campaign and, in a refreshing change of tide, where dominant in the field while enjoying the fine hospitality of their sincere and affable hosts. The Thames Club of New London makes its home on a little spit of land that juts into the rockbound jetty that forms the irregular coast. The land has experienced numerous battles going back to Revolutionary days when Benedict Arnold captured the fort in 1781.

In a sedate and agreeable style, a skirmish between the Sandy Hooks of Newtown and the Thames River club was scheduled to take center stage on the old parade grounds that once trained Coast Guard plebes. The narrow field is characterized by an imperfect grass pitch surrounded by a tarmac walking path (bordered by numerous four foot, immovable and unavoidable cast-iron 'lighthouses'), ocean breakwater on two sides, and an earthen buttress in left and center field leading abruptly uphill to the magnificent granite redoubt.

In a miraculous change of fortune, after a blazing hot and unmemorable scrimmage in Waterbury less than a week back, a squad of twelve strong from western Connecticut hazarded the eighty-mile trek to the eastern part of the state to challenge dubious skies and a respected foe in order to resurrect the Newtown Sandy Hook name. Luckily, the menacing clouds held-off torrential inclinations as both clubs went to work in game one to showcase their finest balling skills and gentlemanly conduct.

In an early nip and tuck battle both opponents measured each others skills but, with little notice, the sedate and considered to-and-fro quickly escalated to a one-sided rout for the Sandy Hooks as the entire Newtown contingent peppered the ramparts with sequential volleys that knocked the home side back on its heels. At the same time, the miserly hurling tactics of Sandy Hook native 'Hoboy' Norwich and the acrobatic efforts of his supporting cast created a near impenetrable defense that rendered the home side punchless. At the same time, the Newtown offensive was highlighted by a twenty two hit attack ignited by 'Mister' Jay Edwards, just reacquainting himself with his new knee, 'Crash' Wheat, recuperating from another unfathomable injury, and Norwich supported in a large part by 'Thunder' Toomey who blaster a monumental home run that reached beyond the distant revetments. There was no doubt who was in charge, and after nine complete innings the Sandy Hooks slashed and crashed their way to a nine run advantage to take an impressive 17 to 8 triumph.

It is sometimes hard to gauge the will of the Newtown nine. There is little doubt the talent-laden group can master any opponent as long as cooler heads prevail. Unlike the previous week when temperatures eclipsed 90º for four hours, temps hardly reached beyond the 60's in New London and there is little doubt the cool weather was to the liking of the Newtown lads.

Both clubs met between matches for an informal picnic hosted by the New London club as adjustments were made in preparation for match two.

In match two, 'Shutta' Shaw replaced Governor Edward Baker from the local historical society to arbitrate the match, and within one pitch Brookfielder 'Bullet' Brandt teed-off on a Thames pitch to initiate a two run scoring outburst which set the stage for the early going. On the flip side of the equation, the loquacious 'Herman' Weiner, toeing the twelve-foot pitching line, was immediately greeted by a volley of consecutive singles by the Thames club to provide a one run advantage for their cause. Not to be outdone by the minor disturbance, rookie Ryan Miller ignited a massive nine run onslaught for the Sandy Hooks in the third inning highlighted by eight singles, two fielder's choices and a base clearing triple by captain 'Muhl' Snyder.

All of a sudden the seemingly mundane tête-à-tête had escalated into what seemed like a certain donnybrook for the Newtowners.

Never ones to accept casual defeat from outside adversaries, the downcast New Londoners finally demystified the Wiener knuckle pitch and peppered the yard with back-to-back safe hits. The Newtown outfield of Toomey, Brandt and Wheat was up to the task, early on, as they made frequent acrobatic catches that amazed the crowd and nearly resulted in early trips to the infirmary for both spectators and ballists. But, a conscientious effort by the New London nine (taking advantage of certain home-field advantages) built sustained momentum and rendered nine comeback aces in the last four innings of the match. 'Mister' Edwards, now hurling for the Hooks, with the help of some impressive defense, successfully stemmed the tide as the Newtowners maintained their advantage by placing two last minute aces on the board to register a final 14 to 12 win and sweep the day's field events.

The Sandy Hooks accumulated twenty-five hits in match two, including four strategic safeties by veteran 'Bulldog' Paes, to cement a successful day by the sparkling sea. 'Bean' Figueroa, 'Mits' Silkowski and 'Lightning' Maleri also played a role in a full team effort.

Following the match, the Thames Club showed their prowess as hosts as they honored their guests at a much-anticipated chili, cornbread and beer lunch at the local Raiders Roost, before the visitors hit the road for a return trip. The Sandy Hooks hope to return the favor when the Thames Nine visit McLaughlin Vineyard in mid-July.

Thanks to all who took part and especially to our hosts who helped punctuate a fabulous day by the beautiful sea.