SOUTHGATE Athletics fought back strongly to score a one-run win over Family Hotel Knights while West Bowlo Warriors beat improving Gunnedah Giants by 13 runs in Gunnedah when the Tamworth first grade baseball competition continued on Saturday.

The A’s beat the Knights 12-11 after trailing 6-3 at the end of the first innings.

The A’s had started well with a three-run start but the Knights doubled that with a six-run start, the A’s replied with a run in the second but the Knights doubled that as well and led 8-3 after two digs.

But the A’s stuck at it and had tied the game up at the top of the fifth at 8-all.

Another Knights spurt gave them an 11-8 lead before the A’s stunned the Knights with a match-winning four-run effort in the sixth and a 12-11 success.

Knights coach Adrian Sippel said his side let “one slip through our fingers”.

He led the way with the bat, finishing with two hits and some good plays at short stop.

Allen Brand pitched well, throwing 38 strikes in his 56-throw game, with Aaron Harding relieving and throwing 36 strikes in his 64-ball stint.

Brand also came up with a hit as did Lee Poulton, Craig Wilson, Elliott Pritchard and Les Poulton.

Out at Gunnedah, the home side made the Warriors earn their 17-4 win.

“They are an improved side,” Warriors coach Jeff Chandler said.

“Troy Sands was very handy at third base – he hit the ball very well.

“They have improved a lot. With the addition of a pitcher and a couple of first graders they would be very competitive.”

Best for Warriors was Mick Martin. Returning from a week off he was strong with the bat, along with Chris Dyson and Jake Forsythe.

“It was a good win,” Chandler said. “A good comeback from last week’s loss to the Knights.”

Mitch Holt also threw most of the game for Warriors and he also continues to improve.