After a tough selection camp for Head Coach Andy Kyle and crew on the Gold Coast last month, Australia’s U15 World Cup side headed to Iwaki, Japan for a stern test against some of the top nations in the world.
After an early loss against eventual silver medallists Japan and a disappointing defeat to the Czech Republic, Australia faced tournament winners Cuba, and put out one of their strongest performances of the tournament. Australia took an early lead through Matthew Martin’s RBI single, but Cuba struck back in the third, plating four runs. Australia went within one of World Champions Cuba in the 9th, but unfortunately couldn’t extend the game, falling 4-3 in a superb display of baseball.
A disappointing defeat to Colombia could’ve easily broken the confidence of the team heading into a crucial clash with South Korea, but in true Australian spirit, the team rallied and defeated South Korea 4-3 to claim their first win of the tournament. Jo Stevens claimed three hits and an RBI, while Maxim Watson and Blake Cavill shone out of the bullpen, combining for 6.2 shutout innings.
Australia then fought hard against 7th placed Chinese Taipei, ultimately falling 8-2. The penultimate game of the tournament for Australia game against New Zealand, and after going behind 8-5 after five innings, it seemed Australia were destined for defeat. However a remarkable comeback in the 6th saw Australia plate 14 runs to take a 19-8 lead. Another six runs came in the final few innings, with the final score reading 25-11. Caleb Shepherd had three hits and four RBIs, while Dylan Walsh and Ben Fierenzi picked up three RBIs each. After throwing two innings, Thomas Horne picked up an incredible five RBIs from his two hits.
Australia’s final game of the tournament game against Mexico, with Blake Cavill’s two RBIs and Tyson McKee’s three hits proving not enough, as Mexico scored three late runs to take an 8-5 victory.
Australia finished 11th for the tournament, and gained a valuable 73 WBSC world ranking points.
A massive thankyou must go to team Executive Officer Neil Barrowcliff, who provided detailed match reports and information as well as the contributors to the 2016 U15 Baseball Team Facebook page, which kept parents involved with fantastic photos and creating an identity for the team’s loved ones back in Australia.