The 2019/20 VSBL Division 3 season opener saw success for Ormond Glenhuntly and Springvale on Sunday. Reigning premiers Pakenham just missed out on their first win of the season, while the Hunters made a statement in the reserves as well. With 18 more games to go, anything is possible in Division 3 this season.
Chelsea Dolphins v Ormond Glenhuntly Gold
Firsts
In a high-scoring affair, Ormond Glenhuntly Gold finished the grinding game 14-10 winners over Chelsea.
It was a combined 12-run third and fourth inning from Ormond Glenhuntly that allowed them to gain a convincing lead, going into the fifth 13-4.
Chelsea saw three runs come through in each of the fifth and sixth innings but the Dolphins couldn’t get enough runs to mount a comeback.
Seconds
The seconds game between the Dolphins and the Hunters was a tight contest, with Ormond Glenhuntly Gold eventually winning 5-4.
The deciding run was in the second inning as the box score shows the same for each team at the end of every inning otherwise.
Chelsea did hit the lead in the top of the fifth but Ormond Glenhuntly Gold powered on and got two runs back to claim victory.
Springvale Lions v North Western Titans
Firsts
After being relegated from Division 2 last season, Springvale started off hot to beat North Western Titans 12-1.
The game spanned eight innings with an even spread of runs coming in for Springvale, including four in each of the second and eighth innings.
Springvale were shutting out the Titans all throughout the game, with the score being 7-0 to the Lions in the bottom of the fifth.
At the bottom of the eighth, Springvale had extended their lead to 11, although the Titans were able to get a run on the board.
Springvale got the three outs they needed at the top of nine which confirmed the result and got them their first win on the board.
Seconds
Both teams jumped on the scoreboard early, but it was Springvale who pushed ahead as they started the season off with an 11-3 win over North Western Titans.
North Western Titans were even heading into the second after their own three-run first inning, but after that, Springvale scored the next eight runs to see themselves get over the Titans.
Ormond GH BLUE v Pakenham Pumas
Firsts
The Division 3 premiers from last season fell short in Round 1, with Ormond Glenhuntly Blue beating the Pumas 11-10.
Ormond Glenhuntly Blue were down two runs from the top of the seventh and managed three at the top of the eight to see them secure an exciting victory.
Pakenham scored three in their first chance at-bat but it was 4-4 heading into the third, and eventually the Hunters edged the Pumas for a big round one victory.
Seconds
The Division 3 seconds runners-up Ormond Glenhuntly Blue started their redemption path right, beating Pakenham 7-0.
Ormond Glenhuntly Blue got the perfect start they wanted with five runs in the first and grinded a couple more in the back-end of the game.