Europe: National softball champions squared off in best-vs-best continental club tournaments

From 16-21 August, Italy and Bulgaria hosted the three annual European women's softball clubs competitions: The European Premiere Cup, the European Cup -- where national champions compete against each other -- and the European Cup Winners Cup, with the participation of each nation’s cups winners. 

The Women's Softball European Premiere Cup took place in Buttrio and Castions di Strada, Italy, with nine top European clubs battling for the European crown. Forli (ITA) defeated the defending champion Bollate (ITA), 5-2, in the final game to claim the continental title. Roef Softball (NED) completed the podium, after a 2-1 victory over Rivas Softbol (ESP). The standings were completed by Apollo Bratislava (SVK), Jourds Praha (CZE), Barracudas (SUI), Russtar (RUS), and Les Comanches (FRA). 

The Women's Softball European Cup was played in Dupnisa, Bulgaria, with eight participating clubs. Wesseling Vermins (GER) edged Hrabiny Wroclaw (POL), 6-1, in the final, while Western Fire (UKR) claimed the bronze medal with a 14-12 victory against Vienna Wanderers (AUT). The Mix (GBR), Akademiks Sofia (BUL), host Angels Dupnitsa (BUL) and Princ Zagreb (CRO) completed the standings.

Finally, the Women's Softball European Cup Winners Cup was also held in Italy, in Saronno, Legnano and Bovisio. In all, 14 European clubs played on the three fields close to the Milan area: the host club Saronno (ITA), Olympia Haarlem (NED), Viladecans (ESP), Eagles Praha (CZE), Carrousel (RUS), Neunkirchen Nightmares (GER), Zürich Challengers (SUI), Crazy Chicklets (AUT), Les Pharaons (FRA), Chicaboo's (BEL), Gepardy Zory (POL), Fireballs (ISR), MRKI Medvedi (CRO), Trnava Panthers (SVK). Olympia Haarlem defeated Saronno, 3-2, to clinch the title.

Men’s Softball European Super Cup

The Czech Republic will host the ninth Mens' Softball European Super Cup, the top contiental club championship, from 23-28 August in Prague. 

A total of 15 European clubs will battle for the European title. In group A, the defending champion Hurricanes from Denmark will face the Chomutov Beavers (CZE), the Hippos Havlickuv Brod (CZE), the MRKI Medvedi (CRO), and the BC Controls (FRA).

In group B, the U-23 Czech National Team will play against the Montpellier Baracudas (FRA), the Span (CRO), the Quick BSC (NED), and the Deurne Spartans (BEL).

In the third group, Magos de Tenerife (ESP) will compete against Žraloci Ledenice (CZE), the Hoboken (BEL), the Alcmaria Victrix (NED), and the Joudrs Praha (CZE). 

Live stream will be available on the Czech Softball YouTube channel.