Division 1 – Round 11, 6 Dec 2009

 An improvement in attitude and intensity were not enough to bring Division 1 a much needed victory on Sunday. Again it was a lack of firepower offensively that made the difference. Frustratingly runners were left in scoring positions on 4 occasions. Port Adelaide broke open the scoring with a 3 run 4th, but a sacrifice fly to David Forbes brought one run across the plate bottom 4 to get the Eagles on board. This seemed to swing momentum back in our favour, but despite some good hitting, the next three innings resulted in no runs in spite of numerous baserunners. A situation of lost opportunities once more.

 In the face of  2 more runs by Port top 8, the Eagles remained positive, with a towering blast off the bat of David Forbes keeping hopes of a comeback alive. However we were unable to deliver bottom nine, with 3 up 3 down ending the game.

 Despite 2 patches of trouble the collective pitching effort from Steve-O, Rexy and Reds was solid against a strong hitting lineup. All season the pitchers have shown resolve in the face of minimal run support and deserve commendation for this.

 It was also pleasing to see a return to form from Chris Falls who was extremely unlucky not to have a multi hit game, with three hard line drives jumping from his bat.

 Notwithstanding the loss, the collective approach on the day was an improvement from recent weeks with more focus and noise in the dugout.  The side remains positive and will take this approach into the game versus Henley and Grange at home this weekend.

 Sam Tibbits