Fireman's softball
East Amherst wins third straight league title

East Amherst defeated Newstead, 15-14, in nine innings to win a third straight Northern Erie Fireman's Softball League Championship. Members of the team, pictured from left, are: first row - Jim Quigley, Mike Secor, Bill Boyle, John Karnath, Bob Goodwill, Tom Maxian, Scott Preston, Gary Spoth; second row - Mike Redenbach, Dan Howaniec, Paul Benson, Brian Kern, Sam DeChellis, Marc Harrishburg, Shane Weaver, Ron Daigler, Jon Howaniec, Chris Ginnane, Andrew Yeager.

East Amherst came back from three separate deficits of two or more runs to beat Newstead, 15-14, in nine innings on Aug. 5 for a third straight Northern Erie Fireman's Softball League Championship. East Amherst finished 13-0.

East Amherst jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first inning and was ahead 7-5 after two innings. Tied at 9-9 after five innings, Newstead came alive with three runs in the seventh but East Amherst responded with three runs of their own with a game-tying hit by Jon Howaniec with two outs to send the game into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth, Newstead struck for two runs, forcing another comeback by East Amherst. Ron Daigler tripled with two runners on base to send the game tied into the ninth.

Not giving up easily, Newstead scored one more run. In their half of the ninth, East Amherst's Chris Ginnane led off with a single followed by two outs and a single by Howaniec. With two men on and two outs, Paul Benson singled over the pitcher, forcing both home. Howaniec was named playoff MVP.

Newstead finished 9-4.

In the first game of the championship double header, North Amherst beat Clarence, 12-4, to take home the consolation game trophy. North Amherst finished with an 8-5 record. Clarence went 10-3.

The rest of the final standings were: Clarence Center (7-5), North Bailey (5-7), Snyder (5-7), Main Transit (5-7), Eggertsville (4-7), Harris Hill (3-8), Akron (2-9), and Bowmansville (1-10).