The Australian 18U team made the perfect start to its Oceania Qualifying Championships in Auckland today with two dominant performances against New Zealand and Guam.
Australia had an easy first win against New Zealand for game 1 at the 18U Oceania Championships in New Zealand. Refusing to give up the lead the entire game, Australia came out with a 12-2 win.
A single from James Percival, an RBI single from Mitch Holding, a two-run double from Alex Wells and a RBI Single from Dean Frew gave Australia a six run lead in the first. By the end of the fifth inning Australia had a comfortable ten run lead to end the game for their first win.
Alan Kenny was credited with the win for Australia, allowing one run over four innings as well as striking out six. Dean Frew went three from four with the bat including two RBI’s and Alex Wells went two from three with four RBI’s.
In the second game of the double header, Australia hammered an under-manned Guam team 15-5, once again under the 5 inning mercy rule. Victorian right hander Jack EncIondo was impressive in his starting role, demonstrating a very effective fastball which overpowered Guam's offence.
James McCallum hit the tournament's first home run, a two run shot to right field. The Aussies scored in all five of their innings and have placed themselves in a great position to clinch the series if they can beat both of their opponents one more time.
Manager Jon Deeble was pleased with the team's ability to pressure the opposition today, but believes they will have to rise to another level to top New Zealand's best starter in tomorrow's encounter.
Australia will play New Zealand for the second time tomorrow at 3:30pm NZDT (1:30pm AEDT).
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