PAKENHAM PUMAS
History was made on Saturday as Pakenham Pumas Women’s Black etched its name into the club record books, claiming the first ever women’s premiership in Pakenham Pumas history with a commanding 8–0 grand final victory.
In a performance worthy of the big stage, Emily Devine delivered a masterclass on the mound.
The Pumas ace struck out 10 batters across five shutout innings, allowing just three hits and keeping the opposition scoreless to seal the historic win.
Calm, composed and in complete control, Devine’s pitching set the tone for a team determined to make history.
The Pumas wasted no time getting on the board; in the opening inning, Katherine Walton stepped up and delivered the first run of the grand final, sparking cheers from the passionate Pumas supporters who packed the stands.
Pakenham built momentum in the second inning, adding two more runs and applying pressure on the scoreboard as the team’s confidence continued to grow.
Walton proved pivotal in the heart of the lineup, driving in three runs and leading the offensive charge.
She was joined in the hit column by Olivia Garcia, Emily Devine, and Sofia, each contributing at the plate in a well-rounded team performance.
The Pumas also showcased aggressive base running, stealing eight bases throughout the game. Olivia Garcia and Holly Lunn led the charge on the basepaths, constantly pressuring the defence and turning small opportunities into scoring chances.
Defensively, the Pumas were flawless.
The team played error-free baseball, with Carni Dowsett leading the way in the field and making an impressive 11 defensive plays to help shut down any opposition momentum.
When the final out was recorded, celebrations erupted as players, coaches and supporters realised the significance of the moment.
The victory not only secured the premiership, but also marked a historic milestone as the first women’s team in Pakenham Pumas history to win a championship.
For a team that has worked tirelessly all season, the result was the perfect reward; a grand final performance defined by strong pitching, smart base running, flawless defence and a group of players determined to leave their mark on club history.
And on Saturday, they did exactly that.
SL80
FANTASTIC HITTING PROPELS PUMAS TO VICTORY OVER CHELSEA
Pakenham Pumas SL80 capped off an incredible season with a 9–7 victory over Chelsea SL80 on Sunday at the Pumas’ home ground, using a powerful offensive display and aggressive base running to secure the win.
The Pumas outhit Chelsea 11-5 in the contest. Chelsea struck first, scoring on a single in the top of the first inning before adding another run in the second on a ground out. The Pumas responded to tie the game at two when Eli delivered a clutch single to bring a run home. Pakenham seized control in the bottom of the third inning. Ollie blasted a solo home run to left field to spark the rally, Angus followed with an RBI single, and Eli delivered again with a two-run single to extend the lead.
The Pumas added even more firepower in the fourth when Angus launched a three-run home run to centre field, putting Pakenham firmly in command. Timmy started on the mound for the Pumas, allowing four hits and five runs over three and two-thirds innings while striking out six and walking seven. Ollie came on in relief to help close out the game.
The Pumas lineup delivered throughout the game, collecting 11 hits. Ollie and Eli each recorded three hits, while Liam added two hits in three at-bats. Julia showed great patience at the plate, drawing three walks, helping the team reach six walks overall. Speed on the bases also played a major role, with Timmy, Ollie, and Angus each stealing multiple bases as the Pumas racked up 11 stolen bases in total.
Defensively, the team was flawless, not committing a single error.
The victory completes an unbeaten season for the Pakenham Pumas SL80, an even more impressive achievement considering the team often played with the minimum seven players throughout the year. The group now looks forward to staying together for the upcoming Winter Season.
A huge thank you goes to Greg and Gregg for coaching the team, Nick and Jason for stepping in when required and helping set up the diamonds, and Brad for his assistance during the finals.
Thanks also to Sophie for scoring every game, and to Lauren, Michelle, Lorelle, Andrea, Nicki, and everyone who helped out in the canteen.
To all the parents and families who ensured the players made it to training and games each week; your support made this season possible. Finally, thanks to the club for its ongoing support and leadership, with special shout-outs to Jess, Nicki, and Jo. And a special thank you to Huffy and Scotto for their advice during the final. An outstanding season, a fantastic team effort and there’s plenty to look forward to in the Winter Season ahead.
STATE LEAGUE 4
Pakenham Pumas State 4 delivered an impressive all-round performance on Sunday, defeating the Berwick City Cougars 10–6 in an entertaining contest highlighted by a dominant hitting display from Dylan Elderidge.
Elderidge was the standout at the plate, producing a perfect day with four hits from four at-bats. The in-form Puma collected singles in the first and second innings before smashing two doubles later in the game, helping drive the Pumas’ offence and keeping constant pressure on the Cougars defence. The Pumas struck first in the opening inning when Travis Hough lined a single to bring home the first run of the game. Berwick quickly responded in the bottom half, capitalising on a fielding error to even the scores at one apiece. Pakenham wasted little time reclaiming control of the contest. In the second inning the visitors exploded with a four-run rally. Jacob Gruis drove in a run with a single, before Elderidge continued his hot streak with a base hit that brought home two more. Scott Dale added a sacrifice fly to cap off the inning and give the Pumas a handy 5–1 advantage. The Pumas kept the scoreboard ticking over in the third when Angus lifted a fly ball that allowed another run to cross the plate, extending the lead to 6–2.
On the mound, Andrew Hemmes put together a solid outing for Pakenham. The right-hander worked six innings, allowing six hits and six runs – only three of them earned – while striking out four and issuing three walks. Offensively, the Pumas were relentless, finishing with 12 hits for the game. Elderidge and Scott Dale each drove in two runs, while Travis Hough also enjoyed a strong outing with two hits from three at-bats.
Perhaps the most eye-catching statistic came on the base paths, where the Pumas turned the pressure up even further. Pakenham stole an incredible 17 bases, with Jacob Gruis, Brad Jones, Andrew Hemmes, Scott Dale, Jason Rossitt and Elderidge all swiping multiple bags in an aggressive display of running.
The win showcased the depth and energy of the Pakenham lineup, with the Pumas combining timely hitting, smart base running and steady pitching to secure a well-earned victory over their local rivals.
-Jessica Moulding-
