The hometown nine turned out ready to do battle with their longtime nemesis the Waterbury Connors at the McLaughlin Vineyard on Sunday with the Newtown Bee and ESPN watching every move.

The day was bright and warm and the grass was deep with dew from the early weekend rain; just the sort of day you'd expect for late August in southern New England. 'Muhl' Snyder and 'Crash' Wheat captained the locals as they took the field while the Connors scrambled to find available players to fill out their side for the '1861' match.

Self-umpiring was the way of the day as 'Shutta' Shaw, the logical goat for most home matches, visited with the guests. The all grass pitch that features giant maple trees and endless stone walls which stand precariously close to all participants. Shaw, blaming a full snoot of vintage sarsaparilla and a touch of rum, took responsibility for the misplaced diamond that had previously been lined for the match before anyone with an objective eye had noticed its close proximity to the tree line.

A decision was made to use a 'rabbit' ball that has been embraced by many of the '60's' clubs - not for it's authenticity to the original '60's' ball but, because it is 'cheap'.

As is typically the case, Captain Wigren's Waterbury men took charge of the match immediately with situational hitting and keen baserunning (include occasional ballists who playing barefoot and well as some with half a liter of brewer's yeast in their bellies). The Sandy Hooks seemed to hold their ground in the field but the occasional misplay or skyball into the maple tree (resulting in scattered 'cranks' and anticipating fielders as the orb bounced from branch to branch like an old bagatelle machine) equaled the occasional ace for the visitors. On the offensive side, the Sandy Hooks had little luck penetrating the Connors defense with confident fielders taking away many sure hits from the Newtowners in every corner of the field. As the Hooks mounted a challenge the sure handed and fleet footed Connors snared every opportunity from their grasp. The '61' match was close. The later '67' match (a Sandy Hook mainstay) was a disaster, and by the end of the day all sides were deeply into their assorted cocktails hoping the umpires would just go home.

In the end, the Connors overwhelmed the Sandy Hooks an an entertaining day of base ball.

The long season has taken its toll on both players and management, and the lack of result most agree comes from little or no effort on the practice side. The club has the Old Bethpage Festival in the coming week which has always lifted everyone's spirit. The hope is that a good showing will enliven the team as they close out another disappointing year in player participation and on-field success.

The frustration of this past season was summed up by the 'Noodles' when asked between games whether he'd consider a trade back to the Sandy Hooks for match two...He graciously replied, "I'd rather wear shoes!!"