The dodgers got off to a great start with runs in the first and second innings and another 2 in the third to set up a handy lead, while starter Rob Hogan although battling control issues held the Angels until the fourth when they scored 2. Unfortunately the run production dried up for the dodgers and although well held over the last few innings by Glen Richards the angels managed to draw level with 2 out in the ninth, with neither team able to score in the tenth the game was called in fading light. Best with the bats for the dodgers were Matt Greene with 3 hits, Glen Mascoll and Mick Wearne 2 and Scott Wearne, Luke Farrelly and Matt Pallant 1.
A2 - Berwick 9 def Dandenong 6.
The young A2 team bolstered by the inclusion of catcher Ben Bartlett enjoyed a fantastic come from behind win over the previously undefeated Dandenong Angels in great conditions at Booth Res. Sean Howe was his usual consistent self against a strong Dandenong hitting line up and backed by some great defence held the Angels to just 1 run through the first 4 innings and when the dodgers scored 1 in the fifth the game was wide open. The Angels hitters started to string a few together in the fifth and scored another 5 runs giving them a commanding 6 to 1 lead and when the dodgers failed to score in the sixth time was running out. Reliever Dan Betreen shut them down in order and then with a succession of hits and some erant pitching the dodgers managed to take the lead late in the game and with only a few seconds to spare Dan was able to get the 3 outs required to cap of a memorable win . In a game that proved we can match it with any team in this division the better hitters were Peter Higgins and Adam Silva with 2 and John O'Connor, Jack Spiers, Dan Betreen, and Lucas Lydall with 1.
A3 - Berwick 9 lost to Dandenong 20.
A4 - Berwick 6 lost to Dandenong Gold 8.
In idyllic conditions we hosted Dandenong Gold at home on Saturday. Simone Wearne started hostilities but was up against a strong hitting line up adding 2 runs in the first. We matched them with the bat, but had to scramble our runs to keep it tight at 3 apiece after 3 innings. The Angels kept up the pressure but again we tied it at 5 each after 5 innings. The Angels again attacked to post 8 runs after the top of the 7 th . But amazingly the 2 hour timed game was called 7 minutes early leaving us no opportunity to bat out time to gain the runs we needed with the heart of our line up to bat. A very poor showing all round. I immediately argued the toss on what I thought was a ‘no brainer' only to hear that Dandy would pull the stall to close out the game. A timed 2 hour game is a 2 hour game. It is a pity that such a good spirited, competitive game was spoiled by a brain dead call. We must now find a way to take these calls out of contention. The only way to do this is to hit. Something that has been hot and cold all season with this team. With 6 runs from 5 hits we won't trouble too many teams. We must get better. Stealin' Steve Johnson again caught a great game to Simone and Brian Lees who held the Angels to a gettable total. Final score Dandy 8 – Berwick 6.
Next Sunday (yes that's right Sunday) at 2 pm we face Dandy Blue.
Till then – see you on the diamond.
Roger Greene.
Under 16 - Berwick 4 def Frankston 3.
A very tight defense game was played against top of the ladder, Frankston team. Frankston pitcher, Cody Wilson, kept the Berwick bats quiet for the first 3 innings and the score was 2-0, Frankstons way.The 4th saw Anthony Mether getting on base with a single to centre field and made his way to third base, when Lucas Lydall hit a single to right field, scoring Mether. The last inning saw Frankston scoring an early run, but pitcher Sam Beasley fought back to strike out the next 3 batsmen to give Berwick a last inning chance for victory. Speedster, Malachite O'Halloran got on with a walk, stealing the next 2 bases, was hit home with a Sam Beasley single. Adam Silva got on with the aid of a Frankston throwing error which put he and Beasley in scoring positions. Anthony Mether was next to bat, hitting a single to centre field again, scoring 2 R.B.I's, which gave Berwick the final score line of 4-3.
This is a good example of the game not being over until the final pitch is thrown.
