By all measures, the club is in a healthy position. Our committee is united, our teams are full, our coaching staff is highly regarded, and our teams are playing good baseball. I believe that opposition clubs respect us and our track record over the past four years in collecting the Junior Club of the year award is dynastic.

For all of this, the measuring stick from within is our ability to convert on Grand Final Day, and as always we attempt to do so in the face of determined and talented teams opposing us. In recent years, the West Torrens/Sturt rivalry has become storied with both clubs having exclusively shared the Junior Club of the Year award for the past seven years, so it is no surprise that most of the Junior Grand Finals featured one or both of the clubs.

It is with no small measure of pride that in entering Grand Final Day with our Little League Major team, the Under 14/1 team and the Under 16/1 team we achieved the ultimate success in two of the grades and were runners up in the other. We faced off against Sturt in two Grand Finals, and perhaps appropriately, we shared a premiership each with the Little League Major side falling to a strong Sturt outfit whose experience and talent shone through. This young side still has a few seasons to go at this level and of course it is encouraging to see a group so young, go so close. Well done to Jamie Boydon and Tim Mead for their mentoring of the team, I’m sure you will look forward to many encounters with Sturt in the coming seasons. The under 16/1 team was more fortunate in triumphing 8 – 6 against a fast finishing Sturt team. Once again, these two teams have now made a habit of playing off against each other in the last game of the season; they are very evenly matched and very talented. Needless to say we were completely delighted and more than a little relieved to get the final out, having watched a 7 run lead shrink to just two. A wonderful effort by all involved, Rick Mead as Head Coach and Dave Dunstall his assistant and the squad of players who worked hard all year and overcame many hurdles to be still standing at the finish.

The under 14/1 team were simply magnificent in establishing themselves as the pre-eminent team in this division. Having split the matches one a piece in the first two games with the Dodgers, the Grand Final became the match that would determine which team had earned the number one ranking. The team under David Green played almost flawless Baseball on the day and, by the end of the first innings, had severely deflated the Dodgers hopes and followed this with relentless team oriented baseball that was simply irresistible. The final result, a 17 – 2 win was an emphatic realisation that the team had established its bona fides as the number 1 ranked Under 14 team. Congratulations To Coach Green, assistant Ken Henry and the ubiquitous Robert Baker whose oversight of pitching was exemplary. Brilliant job boys, you were magnificent against quality opposition.

The club scoreboard for this week reads as follows:

WT                               Result              Opponent                                Season

Division 2           5       defeated          Sturt                                2        2 – 0             

Division 3           5       defeated          Goodwood                       2        2 – 1 PREMIERS

Under 16            8       defeated          Sturt                                6        2 – 1              PREMIERS

Under 14 (1)    17       defeated          Golden Grove      2        3 – 0              PREMIERS      

LL Major             4       lost to              Sturt                              18        1 – 2              Runners Up    

LL Minor             6       lost to              Glenelg                          14      11 – 7                          (4^th)

Mead’s men claim prize

In a gripping encounter at Norman Reserve, Rick Mead’s Under 16 team opened up an early seven run lead having batted aggressively against Sturt’s starter. With Bryce Fulton having just won the Medal as the MVP in the League for his efforts on the mound this season, leading off to Todd Dunstall behind the dish, the Eagle defense held tight for four innings before Bryce’s control went slightly off balance and with bases loaded we conceded the first of a pair of runs. With Sturt’s reliever holding us with brilliant pitching, the game tightened significantly and Dylan Duval came on to relieve Bryce and the top of the Sturt order came up with some clutch hitting to narrow the margin to two. At seven to five up going into the top of the final innings, the nerves were jangling and the Eagle bats went to work one final time plating one more vital run on a sacrifice ground ball to the right side by Matt Scharenberg. At the last change, a nervous Dylan Duval got the first out to pop up, but then walked the following two batters to put the tying run at the plate. Coach Mead decided that it was time to move and he brought young Matt Scharenberg to the mound to try and pick up the final two outs. Showing maturity beyond his years but in line with his prodigious talent, Matt held his nerve to get a ground ball to pick up a force at second, conceded a run, but with runners at first and second, now needing just the one more out for the win. Three tension filled strikes later, the last two swinging, the Eagle boys’ gloves launched into the air in jubilant triumph and the celebrations began. Sturt were magnificent in defeat, brave efforts were acknowledged, heroic performances chronicled, and ultimately we were left clutching the ultimate prize this time around. In recognition of the team’s success, the Line up for the Day was:     1.         Bryce Fulton

1. Todd Dunstall
2. Matt Scharenberg
3. James Batty
4. Thomas Dunn
5. Nico Vanderlinden
6. Alister Fogarty
7. Scott Miller
8. Dylan Duval
9. Mitch Mead
10. Mitch Booker

Interested spectators were Nathan Vanderlinden (Div 2 and U/18), Joel Ettridge (U/18) and Tom McGarry, all of whom were eligible and have made contributions to this team this season but had not qualified having played a different grade or were injured,

Congratulations to all those associated with the team. Of course Head Coach Rick Mead whose calm leadership steadied the team through troubled waters and who managed the extraordinary range of personalities with good humour, and genuine empathy. Thanks also to assistant coach Dave Dunstall whose dedication over the years has been invaluable, to Ian Scharenberg for putting his hand up to be the team manager and handling all those necessary game day tasks that simply must be done. Thanks also to the mums who scored for us this year, primarily Cathy Miller and Yvette Peckham, your availability and reliability is greatly prized. Thanks also to the parents that turned up every week to lend support, make sure that trainings were attended and put up with the grumbling ramblings. Congratulations to James Batty, whose first season as an Eagle yielded his first premiership, as did Alister Fogarty. To all the players, enjoy the off-season and please come back and support us next year.

Green Machine well oiled in bringing home the prize

The Under 14 Green Machine was simply not going to be denied this Sunday. In a fitting match up between the top two teams who both had a win against each other, this encounter was to decide which club would rightly claim top billing. With Head Coach Green pacing the side-lines rather nervously prior to the first pitch, one could be forgiven for being surprised at just how quickly the Eagle boys charged out of the blocks and took a strangle hold on the trophy. With League MVP runner-up Brad Dedrick going on the mound to Ethan Haylock behind the plate, the first batter slapped the ball to second baseman Sam McGarry, who bobbled an awkward bouncer and the first runner was on board, maybe coach Green had reason to be nervous, but from that point on, the Eagles were completely dominant. The runner was caught stealing by a bullet from Haylock and the 2 to 6 play stripped the runner for the first out and was one of three runners mown down by the Haylock defense, With three up three down, in came the juggernaut and right from the first pitch, you could tell that the boys had come to play. Mason Pickard lined the ball for a single, stole second, Lucas Hunter got on, Ethan Haylock struck out, but the boys kept at it, Brad Dedrick smashed an RBI, Sam McGarry smote a liner down the right field line with first playing well inside for an RBI double. Jack Hambly smashed it, Mitch Duval smashed it, Connor Foley got on and Nathan Byrnes roped one down the left field line. In a trice, we had batted through the order, posted the maximum seven runs and left the Dodgers completely shell-shocked. The defense backed this up with back to back doughnuts and the offense continued to roll on until by the end of three frames, the Green Machine was a clear 10 runs ahead before finally a couple of breaks went the Dodgers way allowing them to score their first run. Once again, however and with bases loaded, the defense calmly removed the runner in the next play allowing the second run to score but with no runner on, effectively killing the rally. We collected the third out and retired the side. After three and a half frames, the game score was 10 – 2 our way, and not to be outdone, the Green Machine bats went right back at it posting 5 more runs to be 15 – 2 up with three to play. At this point, coach Green relieved Dedrick with Lucas Hunter and brought on young Will Bourchier for his first taste of Grand Final action. Hunter posted a three up three down dig and if we could score two runs we would win in a mercy. Duly, the innings was lead off by Mitch Duval who got on base and stole second, Jack Hambly came up and got himself on and then came the fairytale moment of the game, Will Bourchier, in his first year in the game, seeing his first action of the finals series, steps up to the plate, takes a couple of pitches and then launches a line drive to deep left centre to drive in the two runs required! Game over, walk off double. The boys celebrated loudly and proudly in a true show of team spirit showering Will with congratulations.

 The Under 14 Green Machine lined up as follows:

1. Brad Dedrick
2. Ethan Haylock
3. Lucas Hunter
4. Sam McGarry
5. Jack Hambly
6. Mitch Duval
7. Connor Foley
8. Mason Pickard
9. Nathan Byrnes
10. Will Bourchier

Congratulations to the boys on a fantastic job this season. It was a season with just the one loss, and clearly you were the best team in the competition this year. Thank you to David Green, Ken Henry and Bob Baker for their passion and influence over the team. The discipline, the skills, the knowledge of the game you bring is peerless and the boys are incredibly lucky to have you mentoring their baseball. Thanks to Heather Shilling and Mick Edgar for the team managerial skills always carried out efficiently, thanks also to Michelle McGarry for scoring so effectively. Thanks also to the wonderful supporters who gave such great backing to this prodigiously talented team.

Little League Major brave but undone by stronger opposition

The Little League Major boys headed up to Norman Reserve with high hopes that they had recovered their poise after having been comprehensively beaten in the earlier semi-final against the same opponent. Sadly, from our point of view, the message was the same. The Sturt battery was much too good and held our hitting line-up to just 4 runs and they countered offensively with plenty of hitting power of their own. The pressure exerted on the lads was too much and they wilted under the strain, giving our opponents a hand by committing errors and learning that baseball is a tough game. Congratulations to the Sturt boys. They were too good for us this time winning 4 runs to 18 runs, an emphatic score line that left no doubt about which team was stronger this year. The outlook is not all bleak, as the majority of this team stays together next year and we have the chance to build on our skills and see if we can get ourselves up to the standard that the Sturt boys have set. I understand that many of them will also be back in Little League next year. For the record, the Little League Major team was:

1. Curtis Mead
2. Jarrod Miller
3. Alex Martin
4. Cooper Boydon
5. Mario Casazza
6. Jonty Scharenberg
7. Jonah Byrnes
8. Jack Pillion
9. Griffin Weber
10. Brodie Nicol
11. Lachlan Eichner

Well-done coaches Jamie Boydon and Tim Mead. The lads were well mentored and are learning a great deal under your tutelage. Thanks Lee Martin for your exceptional managerial skills, thanks to Libby Eichner and Cathy Miller for scoring so efficiently and thanks also to the many wonderful parents and grand parents that followed our youngest teams around cheering on their progress.

Little League Minors fall in final game

The final game of the season for the Little League Minor boys was at home against top side Glenelg.  After getting off to a good start, we lead the tigers after the first frame, their hitters proved too strong and they posted 4 runs and then two maximums (5) to shut us down. Having already sealed the title in the weeks leading up to this game, the Tiger boys were presented with the Premiership trophy by club legend and Australian Hall of Famer Andrew Scott, whose son Jacob is playing in our team. Unfortunately with other results going against us the team slid from second position back to fourth spot, but nevertheless, Ron Paulus as Head Coach, assisted by Dave Nicol, Andrew Scott and Andrew Morgan, have set the basics in motion now for this very young team to move forward and step up to the next level of baseball in the coming years and we certainly look forward to that. Thank you to Dave Nicol for managing the team, thank you to Tony D’Angelo for scoring (having started out as a complete novice, he is now primed fro Claxton Shield duty!!!) Thanks also to Cathy Miller who scored on the days when Tony was unable to do so. Once again, I also thank all the many parents and grand parents that came out and watched the youngest Eagles have fun playing baseball for West Torrens.

Presentation Night

A reminder that the wind up for the 2009/10 season will be this Friday 26 March 2010 at the Club Rooms. Players in all Grades are eligible for awards. The Junior Players will all receive recognition of their participation in 2009/10 and premiership players will be awarded medallions in recognition.

Uniform Return

Parents are reminded that with the season now concluded, we require the return of your child’s laundered uniform. The best opportunity to do this is to bring it with you on Friday night at presentations. Little League players must return the playing top and pants, whilst Under 14 and 16 players must return the playing top. Upon receipt of the laundered garment, your $20 refund will be returned to you.

March 28^th Grand Final Day

Just in case you were suffering from withdrawal, there is one remaining game to be played for the club and that involves our Division 2 seniors, who are playing Glenelg in the Grand Final next Sunday at Glenelg starting at 2 o’clock

Division 2:       Grand Final

Glenelg, Away at Glenelg

Starting at 2.00pm

Thank you all for your support this year. I will be in touch about the AGM. If you would be interested in being on the committee, please consider nominating for a position and put your hand up to get involved at your club.

See you at the Ball Park.

Yours in Baseball       

Mark McGarry

Junior Chairman

West Torrens Baseball Club

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E
West Torrens Div 1
0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 5 10 1
Port Adelaide Div 1
0 1 0 2 4 0 0 1 8 11 1

Another split weekend has made the Div 1 side’s chances of reaching the playoffs remote at best. Along with winning both games this weekend, several other results now have to go our way for the Eagles to advance.

Saturday’s game vs Woodville was a thriller, a tenth inning win courtesy of a clutch 2rbi base knock from Jesse Duval – his 4th hit of the day in an outstanding performance. Daniel Redden threw masterfully for 7 innings leaving the game holding a 4 run lead. Rexy hit a speed bump relieving giving up a 3 run bomb, but showed character to steady and see things out bottom 10. Good hitting contributions across the board from Moose Falls, A Lewis, A Spence and T Fiebig to name a few.

Sunday versus Port was another close affair, but this time the cards did not fall our way. The tying run at the plate top 9 was as close as we got, going down by three runs in the end. Earlier fireballer Mitch Fienemann got us off to a good start, leaving the game after 3 innings due to his pitch count, holding a 2 run lead. Good luck to Mitchell who has now returned to the States to persue his professional career.

From then we were unfortunately unable to keep the Port bats quiet, diverting from our intended game plan against their stronger hitters. 6 runs were recorded against us in the next 2 frames, a 3 run home run adding to the damage. Another solo shot against us bottom 8 made it a tough ask, but showing spirit top 9 we rallied to get close, but not close enough. Solid hitting contributions from Jesse Duval and Moose Falls again were highlights.

We still have 2 games to win this weekend against what would seem much weaker opponents on paper – Henley and Grange at H&G on Saturday and Norths at home on Sunday. Even though our chances of advancing are slim, expect the boys to come out all guns blazing to prove a point. Hang around the club for a drink after the game on Sunday in what will be Div 1’s final home game irrespective of results. Hope to see you there.

Sam Tibbits

The club scoreboard for this week reads as follows:

WT Result Opponent Season Ladder
Division 1 7 defeated Woodville 6 11 – 10 (8th)
Division 1 5 lost to Port Adelaide 8 11 – 11 (8th)
Division 2 2 lost to Woodville 7 12 – 6 – 2 (3rd)
Division 2 3 defeated Port Adelaide 2 13 – 6 – 2 (3rd)
Division 3 1 lost to Goodwood 4 13 – 3 – 2 (2nd)
Division 4 8 defeated Goodwood 6 7 – 9 – 1 (7th)
Division 5 11 defeated Flinders Uni 6 6 – 12 (10th)
Division 6 8 defeated Adelaide 5 12 – 4 – 2 (3rd)
Under 18 8 defeated Woodville 0 14 – 1 (1st)
Under 16 5 defeated East Torrens 0 13 – 1 (1st)
Under 14 (1) 20 defeated East Torrens 0 14 – 1 (1st)
Under 14 (2) 15 defeated Henley & Grange 3 10 – 4 – 1 (3rd)
LL Major 12 defeated Southern Districts 6 12 – 1 – 1 (1st)
LL Minor 5 lost to Sturt 12 9 – 6 (4th)

Vanderlinden throws a complete game shut out

With the Senators calling an early start so that their players could leave earlier for higher grades, it was a bleary eyed bunch that presented for warm up. However, by the end of the game, the Eagles had left nobody in any doubt about their credibility as a genuine finals contender and that Nathan Vanderlinden had thrown a complete game without allowing a run. Starting with a very strong lineup, the Eagles stated their intentions very early making life very difficult for the Senators starter. Woodville boasted players that had played A grade this season and were not to be taken lightly, particularly with the power hitting in their team. Vanderlinden cleverly mixed his pitches up and was able to keep the Woodville bats off balance for most of the day, allowing a couple of scattered hits, and none in bunches. The Senators went to one of their state players to come on in relief, but he was greeted with a stand up triple to deep right and two more runs batted in. So the match progressed , with the set up pitcher relieved, and the closer doing his best to quell the Eagle bats to no avail. By the time game was called, Nathan Vanderlinden was still on the mound and the Eagles had opened up an 8 run lead.

Fulton throws a complete game shut out

Bryce Fulton achieved a milestone on Sunday when he took to the mound for the entire Under 16 game against East Torrens and managed to keep them scoreless in the process. Bryce threw with magnificent control and his fastball was almost untouchable. Backing him up behind the dish was Tom McGarry who must have had sore hands by the time Bryce was done. Initially, the Eagle bats were held in check by James Snelgrove from East Torrens, who also has impressive pitching credentials. It took some team batting to move the first run across the plate, and eventually a hard hit ground ball to the right side sent the runner at third home on the sacrifice. From there the Eagle bats gradually wore the Sox down and some featured hitting by Thomas Dunn, whose drive to deep right centre picked up an RBI. Alister Fogarty twice roped balls down the left field line for safe hits. Todd Dunstall was not to be outdone, and he too hit long. With Fulton in such magnificent command and the Eagle bats working as a team, the Sox were always facing an uphill battle. As Bryce left the mound after the seventh and final dig and the umpire was convinced that the required number of innings had been completed and called time, his coaches and team-mates gathered with him to celebrate his achievement. A good day at the office, a tremendous pitching effort backed up by excellent fielding and comic relief provided by James Batty in staggering three steps to take a regulation fly ball at centre (having completed a trial match for the Eagles football club earlier in the day). Now for the real business against Sturt next weekend.

Green Machine in Over Drive

The Under 14 Green Machine completed their final minor round assignment against an inexperienced, but brave opponent in East Torrens. Starting with Lucas Hunter on the mound throwing to Ethan Haylock behind the dish, the Red Sox had difficulty getting out of the infield and a pair of three up, three down innings saw Lucas’ work for the day complete. Jack Hambly duly stepped up to continue where Lucas had left off, and he too showed good command of his pitches as the Red Sox bats continued to try hard but to no avail. Connor Foley stepped to the plate to complete an inning before Mitch Duval came on to close out the match and hold the opposing bats in check for good. Offensively the Eagles were very strong posting runs at every opportunity on the back of hitting solidly and placing the ball advantageously to advance the runner. The highlight was once again Brad Dedrick who smote the ball long and deep over right centre to push over a couple of runs, but this is not to denigrate the consistency and power of the team hitting that saw us post a win of such magnitude. Golden Grove now lay around the corner, and boasting a fine record as they do, we will certainly have to be at our very best if we are to reverse the only loss we have suffered to date at their hands.

Dineen Machine hold out the Rams

Needing to post a 30 run win to jump into the second semi final spot, the Under 14 Dineen Machine made a tremendous fist of doing just that. Unfortunately time and luck were not on our side and though our win was emphatic, it fell a few runs shy of what we needed. Nevertheless, an outstanding effort from all the boys in this team and they have deservedly qualified for the first semi-final to be played at the Nest at 12.30pm this Sunday against the Dodgers from Golden Grove. Let’s all be there and support the boys and see them get over the line.

Little League Major hold on to top spot

With rivals Sturt still breathing down our necks, it was pleasing to post a win and ensure that we hold on to top spot in our own right, thus ensuring a home final this weekend. The team traveled down to Hawk country and posted a 12 – 6 win against a fellow finals aspirant.

Now the real work begins boys as the finals begin.

Little League Minors slip at Flinders’ Dust bowl

Ron Paulus’ Little League Minor boys were on the wrong end of things this weekend, when playing Sturt at a dry and dusty Flinders University. These boys have had a tremendous season and currently sit in fourth spot. They will continue to play games whilst the finals are on, as there are no finals in this grade. The premier is decided by the ladder position. Ronnie has worked tremendously well with this group, teaching them the game and developing their skills. These guys have Goodwood this weekend.

Final Minor Round

The Division 1 and 2 teams complete their minor round at home this Sunday, and with so many finals programmed at West Torrens it promises to be a great day for baseball at this club. The A grade are still in mathematical contention to make the playoffs, albeit with a series of circumstances having to occur for this to happen, including winning both games this weekend. However, stranger things have happened!. The Division 2 boys on the other hand are in the top four but MUST post wins to ensure that they don’t get pipped at the post by teams breathing down our necks hoping we lose. After Game activities this Sunday include:
Chicken Burgers and chips $5
Juke Box
$5 frozen cocktails
Dinners available 6 to 7.30pm.
So given that the next day is a holiday, why not come down and celebrate with the senior club.

SABL Presentations

All players who represented South Australia this year are reminded that they should attend the annual Junior presentation night on Friday 19 March to be held at the Olympic Hall on West Terrace, Adelaide. Players whose names appear in the top ten will be sent a separate invitation. West Torrens will be presented with the Junior Club Championship for the fourth time in succession.

March 7th First Round of Finals

Little League Minor: Coach: Ron Paulus
Goodwood, Away at Glenelg on Diamond 2
Starting at 9.30am (report 8.30am)

Little League Major: Coaches: Jamie Boydon and Tim Mead
Sturt, Home on the Junior Diamond Qualifying Final
Starting at 10.00am (report 9.00am)

Under 14 (2): Coach: Rob Dineen
Golden Grove, Home on the Junior Diamond 1st Semi-Final (Elimination)
Starting at 12.30pm (report at 11.30am)

Under 14 (1): Coach: David Green
Golden Grove, Home on the Junior Diamond Qualifying Final
Starting at 3.00pm (report at 2.30pm)

Under 16: Coach: Rick Mead
Sturt, @Glenelg on the Main Diamond Qualifying Final
Starting at 2.00pm (report at 1.00pm)

Under 18: Coach: Brett Ettridge
Glenelg, Home on the Main Diamond Qualifying Final
Starting at 10.00am (report 9.00am)

Finals Selection Policy

During the regular season, we expect our coaches to rotate their squads through different positions, infield, outfield, pitching, catching and whatever their skill and experience allows. They also shuffle the batting order to make sure that players are given a fair opportunity at bat. When we enter the finals race, coaches are allowed to choose what they consider to be the line-up that best suits the team’s positional needs. They will endeavour to include all of the squad, but cannot guarantee that every player will see game time.

Junior Presentation Night

For your calendar, the wind up for the 2009/10 season will be Friday 26 March 2010 at the Club Rooms. Players in all Grades are eligible for awards. Coaches are asked to choose three players to receive awards recognising excellence, improvement, or persistence or any combination that they see fit. Our younger players will also receive special recognition fro playing and this year will include the Teeball All Stars that debuted under the tutelage of Andrew Scott and Robert Baker. Please keep this date free as it is our final function for the 09/10 season and we’d love to see you there.

Good luck to all this weekend as we embark another finals campaign

See you at the Ball Park.

Yours in Baseball
Mark McGarry
Junior Chairman
West Torrens Baseball Club

Details

A gritty come from behind win against Souths on Sunday has kept the gate open for a berth in this year’s finals.

The Eagles responded magnificently to a 5 run deficit mid way through the game to run out eventual winners 9-8.

With Steve-O starting in command, the Eagles hitters got on the scoreboard immediately bottom 1 courtesy of a hit to ‘pinch’ leadoff Chris Henry, a HPB to Moose Falls, a laced LD to T Fiebig and a base hit to S Tibbits on his return from injury. 2-0 to the Eagles.

The scoreboard then stayed stagnant until the fourth, where after a strong start Steve-O lost the lower part of the zone to be stung by 4 consecutive base hits, the final hit a 3 run HR effectively ending his outing. Steve-O was replaced by Div 1 debutant Sam Bawden who, after recording a PO3 was unable to find command of the zone and left the game same inning, albeit on a higher note, recording a strikeout.  Enter the 3rd pitcher of the innings D Redden who retired the next hitter to end the innings, but 7 runs later the damage was done.

However, the boys responded immediately bottom 4 knowing the season was on the line. A leadoff base knock to Nathan Vanderlinden, a HPB to A Lewis and a liner to RF courtesy of Moose loaded the bags. A picked BB to T Fiebig gave him a RBI and a double down the LF line to Tibbits plated another 2. D Forbes added another with a RF base hit which ended the South’s starters day. A wild throw recorded against the Souths receiver saw the go ahead run cross before the inning was done.

After a fourth inning that took close to an hour Reds took charge to establish an excellent rhythm. He was able to scatter hits, keeping a dangerous hitting team off balance with good location and effective use of both fastballs and offspeed. However the Souths hitters were not to give up, plating another in the 6th to tie the game after a hit, a walk and another safe hit.

Showing determination the Eagles responded again with a smoked leadoff double to T Fiebig. A groundball with eyes to Tibbits and smart, aggressive baserunning by Fiebig saw him get over to third and after a pass ball the Eagles were in the lead again. 

Reds sat them down in order in the 7th and 8th, continuing his great day out. The boys were unable to score in the bottom half of both digs and therefore entered top 9 holding a 1 run lead and needing three outs for the game.  After recording the first out, a base knock and a walk left runners at 1st and 2nd. But Reds stayed firm to induce a hopper up the middle that was calmly scooped by Vanderlinden for a PO6, 6-3 double play to end the game. An exciting finish to great team effort.

The feeling amongst the boys is positive and the team will be ready to take on Woodville away and Port away this weekend to keep our finals aspirations alive. Get down and help us over the line.

Jordan Warman leading the challenge in testing circumstances, walking the first two batters with both moving to second and third. Jordan then dug himself out, striking out the next three with out a score. Awesome job!

The boys followed up with the bats scoring five runs Jordan again picking up 2 RBI’s with a stand up double, Nathan Valentini forcing an error in the field and Luke Houston with a single RBI to finish the innings.

Jacob Scott stood up on the mound and demanded the opposition to swing the bat and earned a strike out with his first batter and apart from a hit to centre his good mate Nathan Collins at third picked up a couple of ground balls and gunned them out at first to finish the dig with class. great job by both.

A young tough pitcher stood up against us striking the first two out, but not for Kyle Nicol forcing an error with his speed to get on base and stealing to second. Followed by another stand up double by Jordan to score another run.

Patrick McKone came in and struggled but never gave up and it’s efforts like these that will make him stronger and stronger.

He came out For Darragh Kearns who proved just how much he wants to play baseball getting on base with his only at bat.

A nice hit to Mario Casazza and a great double to Nathan Valentini and another hit to Kyle Nicol scored some more very valuable runs to be up 10-5.

I showed BIG Nath (Big as in big hearted) the ball and there was no one else was going to pitch. Nath struggled but never gave in managing a strike out. With three runs scored it was time for a change. Josh Lee walked onto the mound with bases loaded and one out (no pressure) he walked the first batter scoring another run but that was the last Josh struck out the next two batters holding a 10 – 9 victory.

Alex Morgan is starting to swing the bat nicely and it won’t be long before he starts making some green marks on the score book.

Kyle was solid behind the plate and shared the duties with Luke who also showed some handy glove work and once again, the work of Darren Warman, Andrew Scott and Andrew Morgan have created a good team atmosphere add one Dave Nicol and it is a very handy team.

Details

Brodie has been a solid pitcher averaging around 15 to 20 pitches an innings.

Jordan has been struggling to find his confidence on the mound and proven with some hard work during the week can make a huge difference.

More work from this guy and he’ll setting himself up for some enjoyable baseball now and next year.

Patrick also followed up with an excellent effort on the mound he is really enjoying his baseball and it’s showing with his consistent improvement.

Making his pitching debut was Ethan and it won’t certainly be his last a great effort especially when thrown in the deep end.

Kyle enjoyed his chance with gear on behind the plate. It has given him a break from pitching and proven his versatility.

There were many hits the best coming from Jordan and Kyle though if we put the ball in play the way the whole team did we are going enjoy our remaining games that’s for sure.

Darragh, Jacob, Alex, Josh, Luke and Nathan are all putting in at training and not far off making their mark on the diamond.

Also thanks to the two Andrews Scott and Morgan for giving me great assistance and giving the boys encouragement and confidence with sound advise.,

In the end a win 11 – 6 against the Hawks but more importantly more steps in the right direction.