CAIRNS, QLD -- Queensland snapped New South Wales' streak of two consecutive U25 National Championships with a 6-5 win over the NSW side in the title game. Victoria claimed the tournament's bronze medal, while South Australia finished fourth.
The championship game proved a back-and-forth affair between the two sides. NSW got on the board first in the top of the fourth inning thanks to a two-run home run off the bat of John Collins.
QLD answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the same frame to level the score, and took the lead in the bottom of the next frame led by a bases-clearing triple by Daniel Nilsson. NSW slowly came back over the next three innings, scoring a run apiece in each frame, but it wasn't enough to mount a complete comeback as QLD held on for the title.
The championship win was the culmination of a dominant performance for the Queenslanders, who posted a 7-1 overall record in the tournament.
To reach the championship game, NSW came from behind to defeat Victoria 5-4 in the bronze medal game earlier in the day. VIC got on the board first with two runs in the top of the second inning, but NSW tied the game in the bottom of the next frame.
The game remained tied until the final inning, when VIC took a two-run lead. Trailing 4-2, NSW rallied for three runs in the bottom of the final frame for a 5-4 walkoff win. Rick Schwarz delivered the game-winning hit for NSW, which propelled them to the title game against QLD.
In addition to the championship presentation, four awards were handed out as part of the closing ceremonies. SA's Kyal Williams was named MVP, Andy Campbell of the champion QLD side won the Batting Award, Wes De Jong from VIC was named the Pitching Champion and Michael Vine of second-place NSW earned the Golden Glove.
More information on the U25 National Championships can be found on the event homepage.