It was a rare sight at the main diamond at Ellis Park yesterday - two women's softball teams going into battle.
Women's softball used to be a regular sight at the park in the 1980s as the sport flourished in Dunedin.
There were plenty of grades and games took place throughout the city.
But slowly the numbers playing the game faded as touch and other attractions took over.
Now there is a social grade at Hancock Park in summer and not much else on the women's side of the game But four women's teams lined up at the Masters Games and Dunedin teams Immortalz and BOBOM did battle in the final.
Immortalz coach Michelle Meaclem said it was a great time and the side still played every Saturday in the senior reserve grade against men's teams.
"It's a bit different on the heart playing against these women.
"But here it's all about having a good time and enjoying playing against other women's teams,'' she said.
"We all love playing with each other and just get out there and play.''
All of the team was above 35 and there were plenty of aches and pains among the side but they still loved to play the game.
Softball was a demanding sport but the players gave it their all.
Pitcher Shar Pepper turned 47 last Sunday but had not slowed down and was still sending down some tough pitches yesterday.
The players were all from Dunedin, apart from one import from Invercargill, and they all got on well and enjoyed each other's company.
The team won the final 5-2 yesterday to win its second gold medal, having won the grade four years ago.
And for the record, BOBOM, the name of the opponent - which plays in the social grade at Hancock Park - stands for a bunch of bloody old mothers.
