North Amherst Fire Co. recently won the Amherst Fireman’s Softball League championship. Members of the team are, from left: Christian DiPasquale, Justin DiPasquale, Andy Heim, Erik Gorenflo, Chris Heim, Jeff Sprague; top row - Jeff Maine, Steve DiPasquale, Doug Heim, Jason Heim, Mark Heim, Karl Bauer and Steve Heim. North Amherst Fire Co. won the 2010 Firemen’s Softball League softball title but unlike last year’s undefeated season and championship, the team had an auspicious start.

The team lost two of its first three games to Ellicott Creek and Clarence Center and also fell to Clarence on June 18.

North Amherst righted the ship and finished the season 9-3. They would avenge their three losses of the regular season in the playoffs.

On July 30, North Amherst defeated Ellicott Creek at home where they earned home field advantage to start the playoffs.

The semifinals and championship games were held at the host field at the East Amherst Fire Company. The teams making the semifinals were Main-Transit, Clarence Center and Clarence Fire Company. Main-Transit beat Newstead, Clarence Center defeated North Bailey and Clarence downed Snyder to earn their berths in the semifinals.

North Amherst got the day started with a hard fought battle against the hard-hitting, fast-running 11-1 Clarence Center team.

The Clarence Fire Company then went on to beat the Main-Transit Fire Company to set up a rematch of last year’s championship.

North Amherst started the championship game with a quick lead against Clarence, a lead they would not relinquish, winning, 11-4.

Defensively, North Amherst brought its “A” game to keep a power-hitting, offensive-minded Clarence team at bay.

Andy Heim was selected MVP of this year’s championship game.

The celebration began with a huge crowd supporting the Fire companies for the right to capture the trophy representing the Amherst Fire Council.

The Firemen’s League is made up of teams from Amherst, Clarence, Akron and Newstead.