PAKENHAM PUMAS BASEBALL
While the Under 14 competition had a bye, three of the Under-14 Pakenham Pumas – Coadhey Rebecchi, Logan Chambers and Oliver Corrigan – were selected for the Dandenong Baseball Association (DBA) Rep Team and travelled to Bendigo to compete in the State Winter Championships. Tough conditions on the first day saw our team play in unrelenting rain, walking away with a win against Diamond Valley Black (6-7) and then two losses against Diamond Valley Red (1-8) and Ringwood (15-0). Highlights were Logan showcasing his pitching skills and Coadhey demonstrating his blocking skills by saving a lot of runs in his position as catcher and having an amazing hit in the first game. The second day saw the ice on the bases thaw and the sun shine with the DBA team scoring a win against City West (0-6) and a loss against Geelong Baseball Club (7-10). A final match was played against Ringwood, seeing them improve on Saturday’s game against Ringwood, ending with a final score of (2-6). Highlights of the day were Logan in his role as Short Stop getting two outs against City West and pitching against Geelong Baseball Club; Coadhey catching against Ringwood and Oliver hitting against a tough pitcher, throwing to home from centre field to get an out at home and scoring a double against Geelong Baseball Club. A big thank you to Head Coach Marshall, Coach Andrew, Executive Officer Cameron and Scorer Ian who, as a strong leadership team, not only expertly coached the team but also fostered a strong camaraderie that was evident both on and off the diamond. Many memories were created over the weekend that will stay with the team for a lifetime.
JUNIORS
UNDER 12: Pumas 2 v Chelsea 1
In drizzly cold conditions, the Under-12 Pumas spirits were high. With the pitchers peppering the strike zone regularly, the bats backed up the defensive efforts with some of the hardest hits so far this season scoring two runs. In the top of the last inning Chelsea loaded the bases and then hit a triple to put them in front, time was against them and Pakenham didn’t get to bat so the score reverted to 2-1 in a thrilling end to the game.
UNDER 16: Pumas 14 v Frankston 1
Pumas made the trek to Frankston to battle Frankston Black. We were playing with eight and went out with great discipline from the players, loading our basses, but unfortunately, we couldn’t convert with three strike outs swapping the field for us to defend. Lachlan Collier started on the mound and threw well, but Frankston managed to score one. Second dig we regrouped and put seven on the board. We shut them down in the bottom of the second, not allowing any runs. In the third we registered another seven and with three more outs against Frankston we sealed the game with a 14-1 win in pretty miserable conditions. Some special mentions. Lachlan Collier (starting pitcher) threw a no hitter and Conner McKenzie hit an in-the-park home run.
SENIORS
A1: Pumas 0 v Dandenong 13
Pumas played host to Dandenong and despite the bad weather the ones got the chance to play. Unfortunately for the Pumas, Dandenong came out with hot bats from the first Inning and scored throughout the whole game, leading to a 13-0 victory.
A2: Pumas 0 v Dandenong 2
Pumas took on Dandenong at home on Saturday in true winter baseball conditions. With the game shortened to 75 minutes due to the rain, the Pumas threatened first but were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard, which lead to a tight tussle through the first few innings. With the game on the line late the Angels were able to apply some pressure resulting in a two-run fourth inning which was ultimately the difference between the two sides.
D BLACK: Chelsea 14 v Pumas 9
The Pumas came up against top-of-the-table Chelsea and put up a brave performance against the best team in the competition. Despite losing 14-9 the Pumas will take great confidence into their next game against Berwick at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday 13 July.
WOMENS: Berwick 14 v Pumas 2
The Pumas were outmuscled in the greasy conditions by a strong Berwick team that chalked up its fifth win for the season. The Pumas went down swinging, however, with hits to Felicity, Carni, Olivia and Christine.
C1, C2 and D White were all washed out this week.
All Pakenham Pumas teams have a day off on Saturday 6 July before returning to action on Saturday 13 July.
-Jessica Moulding-
