Monday, January 10, 2011

Game 3 v Western Australia - Monday 10/1/11

Under piping hot Perth sun, we had an early game today at 10.00am, rather than the other timelsot of 2.00pm. The boys warmed up and possessed the exact intensity and focus we would all expect, but this was not indicative of what was to follow.

After the plate meeting with the umpires - at which both James and Macca attended - the game loomed as decisive in our quest for the title. WA had shown strong form so far and we needed to surprise them.

The starting side was Brad Simon (Pitcher - 7), Barbaro (catcher - 5), McCallum (first base - 3), Tomiya (second base - 1), Lindsay (short stop - 2), Myrmell (third base - 4), Frew (right field - 3), Perry (centrefield - 8), Gulieri (left field - 9). Wooton came into the game to pitch doing a great job really with a delightful mix of change ups and fast balls, before Stevenson took over and Bohan finished a tough assignment in their sixth innings. They did not need to bat a seventh innings after securing a 13-8 victory.

The omissions of Bohan (batting 1000) and Percival (not far behind) were surprising and unfortunate and a product of the silly Defensive Out (DO) rules which state that every player must have 42 DO's (ie two full games on the field) OR pitch three minors and bat four times.

We needed both at key times and we do not have a salary cap.

Things started to unravel early after two botched fundamental double plays by our pivots who through nerves/ fear/ recklessness allowed WA into the game and then onto the scoreboard. While they both shook their heads - some vets and pet food manufacturers get quite interested in such animals - WA shook hands with the scorers jumping to an early 3-0 lead. There was even a basic ground ball dribbler that was missed in the outfield, leading to some checking their programmes that we were indeed at the National Championships.

We got back into the game in time with a combination of walks, a few balks by their pitchers and a stray hit or two - Myrmell, Barbaro largely. In this sphere we were quiet today.


James had a strong game again with two hits from four 'at bats'. He hit a double over first base and a single over centrefield. In between two cracking strikes to outfield were taken comfortably. A game of inches. At first base he was safe too.



With scores level at 6-6 into the sixth innings, WA got the jump on us launching into us with relish. They piled on the hits and broke away to 13 - 6, requiring a fantastic final innings from us to get ahead and then defend the lead. This ambition was not the reality. Myrmell and Barbaro got onto base and James smashed his shot up centerfield to score one run. Below is the photographic sequence of this moment. You can see the ball in the distance as James disappears from shot.


Tough gig this journalism.
So with the scores at 13-8, the game ended and WA were deserved winners. Our attention now turns to the might of Queensland where we are all hoping for some improved performances. Queensland have played some of the lesser lights, but they have confidence and form - something we need to find this side of the Nullabor.

1 comment:

  1. Ahh crap. That's a big score from WA. Good to know that James is still playing well. Glad that spirits are still high in the NSW camp.

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