Another sultry Saturday greeted the local ballists at McLaughlin Vineyards as the Sandy Hooks hosted a tune-up for what should be an entertaining and spirited confrontation at next Saturday's Ridgefield Tercentennial.

The Ridgefield Nine arriving steadfastly determined in their newly tailored KP Weaver garb showed all signs of being ready to do battle as the makeshift line-up from Newtown, Sandy Hook and beyond appeared confidently upbeat.

Sandy Hook native Dennis Norwich, having mowed down the Bridgeports (1864) and New Londons (1861) in previous engagements, manned the box for the hometowners while Captain Mike Scott assumed the role as the Ridgefield starter in the 1867 match.

As the Ridgefielders (comprised of numerous Ridgefield Reds) got their feet on the ground the Sandy Hooks struck first and tallied nine aces in the first three innings sparked by the brilliant exploits of Brandt, Long and Margolus. Ridgefield, responding with deafening skill and purpose, kept pace with their hosts by slugging their way to a pair of five run outbursts to knot the score at seventeen by the end of seven. Nevertheless, as the seesaw battle continued, Norwich bore down and the Sandy Hooks eventually held on to a less than certain 19 to 18 triumph at the end of nine.

One can be assured that Saturday July 5th will be anyone's game and the Ridgefields incentive to do well in front of a home crowd of party goers and the added pressure from the standing wager between Selectmen Borst of Newtown and Rudy Marconi of Ridgefield makes this event a must-see for all base ball cranks within earshot.

Cranks are encouraged to arrive early for the 2:00PM doubleheader as a parade and other Tercentennial events will leave precious little room near Veteran's Park for your mare and Brewster.