The 2025-26 season marks a significant milestone for Peppars Softball Club as the club celebrates its 50th year.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Peppars commemorated the occasion with a special retro round against Fremantle Rebels.
In a proud nod to the club’s rich history, all Peppars players, coaches and life members wore playing shirts representing the evolution of the club across five decades — from the original Canning Peppars singlets, through the heavy shirt era and diamond design, to the final uniform worn before the transition to today’s blue and grey colours.
While the result didn’t go Peppars’ way, the team showed determination and resilience from first pitch to last, guided by coach Andrea Duncan and assistant coach Cheryl Duncan.
Club president Natalie Edwards led strongly on the mound in the opening half, delivering controlled pitching that forced the Rebels into multiple foul balls and high pop-ups, creating valuable fielding opportunities.
Defensively, Peppars produced several standout moments.
A sharp ground ball to shortstop Jane Austen resulted in a clean out at first base, while second baseman Melissa Geddes secured another out with a well-judged fly ball.
Sharp work behind the plate from catcher Kaiti Fasanini helped set up Kelly Havers for a crucial tag at third base in the second half, stopping Fremantle in their tracks.
In left field, Aleisha Duncan impressed with a confident high fly catch and consistently backed up her infield, including a strong return throw to third baseman Donna Austen. Despite being taken out in a heavy slide at third base, Austen showed grit by getting back on her feet and playing out the remainder of the game.
At bat, Peppars found their rhythm. Megan Trezise reached first base to spark momentum, followed by Aleisha Duncan earning a walk.
Tina Reed then delivered a powerful hit to right field, bringing Trezise home for Peppars’ opening run.
Duncan later followed with a determined slide across home plate to secure the team’s second run.
Peppars continued to apply pressure on the bases, with Kaiti Fasanini driving a hit to left field to safely reach first before working her way around to third.
In a tense moment, she was caught in a rundown and narrowly tagged out by a quick-thinking Fremantle catcher while attempting to return to third.
Tactical pitching from Aleisha Duncan proved instrumental in the second half.
Her well-executed change-ups — deliberately slowing the ball to disrupt the batter’s timing — kept Fremantle’s line-up off balance, resulting in strikeouts, mistimed hits and a smart tag out as a batter attempted to make first base.
Although the scoreboard didn’t reflect the effort, the retro round was a fitting celebration of 50 years of Peppars softball — honouring past players while showcasing the heart, resilience and commitment that continues to define the club today.
Photographs – Ella Friedlos.
