Friday night lights at the Moore County Sports Complex had nothing to do with football and everything to do with bragging rights and charity as employees, volunteers, elected officials, and residents filled the stands for the Second Annual Battle of the North softball game between the towns of Carthage and Robbins.
It all started this summer when Carthage Mayor Jimmy Chalflinch sent a letter to Robbins Mayor Cam Dockery, challenging a rematch after last year’s defeat. Robbins accepted the challenge at a town meeting with last year’s trophy on display. From there, things got heated (mostly online) with “friendly” social media trash talk, imaginary trade rumors, and a few joking threats about checking payrolls for qualified players.
Ron and Don Marley, twin brothers from Robbins, are in the USSSA Hall of Fame, suited up for their hometown. They were honored before the game and watched from the coach’s box and dugout.
The younger, faster Robbins squad took the field as the home team. But in the first inning, Robbins Police Chief and pitcher Ben Haddock looked like he might be serving up charity pitches. Carthage jumped ahead 3–0, and for a brief moment, their fans started dreaming of revenge.
But Robbins had other plans, of winning again. Once the nerves settled, Robbins’ defense tightened up, and their bats caught fire. By the time the dust settled, the scoreboard told the story: Robbins 18, Carthage 7.
“It feels good to bring the trophy back to Robbins,” said Commissioner Kevin Stewart. Town Manager Clint Mack couldn’t resist a grin, adding, “We started preparing right after last year’s win, and we’ll start preparing for next year tomorrow.”
From the dugout, Haddock could be heard yelling jokingly, “Practice this Sunday!”
The stands were packed; several hundred fans showed up, most wearing North Moore Hunter Green, though Carthage supporters were loud and proud. Despite all the jokes and playful rivalry, the real winners were the folks helped by the event.
This year’s charity of choice, picked by Carthage, was Friend to Friend, a local nonprofit that supports women of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Concessions and donations raised just over $1,050, proving that while Robbins might have won the trophy, both towns hit a home run for a great cause.
~Article, photo and video by Curtis Self, a Sandhills Sentinel reporter and owner of Moore Daily Sports. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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