Words by Kylie Knight
DAY 2 ROLLING COVERAGE:
The opening ceremony might not be until tomorrow, but competition is already underway at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. We have two locals in action today.
Softball - Chelsea Forkin and Jade Wall
The Aussie Spirit has won their game against Italy 1-0. It was a tight tussle, with a tense seventh innings.
Tidy defence and steel-like nerves served the side well and the win gives them some breathing space and confidence ahead of their match against Canada on Saturday. The game starts at 11am (AEST).
With no crowds, the Aussies and Italians cheered their players on from their dugouts.
The Aussie Spirit are now third in the standings behind Japan and the United States.
Earlier: The Australian softball team, with local stars Chelsea Forkin and Jade Wall will be looking for a stronger performance, after losing their first game to Japan, at Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium yesterday.
Australia was dealt an 8-1 mercy rule defeat. After a close opening, Japan put daylight between the teams in the middle of the match and the Aussie Spirit side could not respond with the runs needed to close the gap.
It marked a return to Olympic competition for the sport and followed a six-week camp for the Australian side in Ota City, north of Tokyo.
Chelsea Forkin is a HPE teacher at Redcliffe State High School and plays outfield and first base.
Jade Wall has a strong family association with the sport on the Redcliffe peninsula and is registered with Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association. She plays outfield.
Australia will be back in action today, when they face Italy at 4pm (AEST).
(results to come)
Want to see when our other athletes with links to the Moreton Bay Region are competing? Head here
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