After leaving the Hastings for university and work, Owen was back in the softball diamond on Saturday as Phoenix proved too good for Lakers.

Mid North Coast Softball Association secretary Rowena Meers said Phoenix registered a 13-5 win and it was the impressive performance of Owen that stood out.

“Courtney played here years ago before she had to move away from the area,” she said.

“She had to catch for us on Saturday because our regular catcher was injured and it was like she hadn’t left.

“She really stood out.”

In the other matches between Warriors and Diamonds and Enduro and OFFS, the main focus was on fun and enjoyment.

“The OFFS team have a lot of girls that play hockey and have taken softball up,” Meers said.

“But when I was umpiring on the other diamond there was a lot of cheering going on so it sounded like they all enjoyed it.”

Two other new teams in Warriors and Diamonds played out a match that was dominated by good batting.

“They also introduced some of the younger girls to the sport and that’s what we want to see,” Meers said.

“Some of them are 13 and 14 and are daughters of some of the mum’s in the team, so that’s what it’s all about.”

Enduro defeated OFFS 21-13 while Warriors defeated Diamonds 20-5.