VSBL Division 3 teams have been working toward this moment all season long, and there were some surprise results in the 1sts and 2nds as one team in particular, Pakenham Pumas, pulled off an amazing upset before going on to win the premiership. Well done to all these teams on their fantastic efforts this season!
Division 3 Firsts - Grand Final (Sunday, 3rd March)
Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue vs. Pakenham Pumas
3 7
7 runs seems to be the new magic number for Pakenham, as this run total has sealed the deal for two of their massive victories over tough competitors in the finals. This marks the second Puma-powered surprise in as many weeks, with both huge wins coming on the road.
As the Pumas battled against last year's premiers, the determination on both sides was abundantly clear. The game was tied at 1-1 heading into the 4th inning, and that's when the Pumas loaded the bases for Shaun Fahy. A reliable hitter all season along, he came in clutch with a picture-perfect grand slam, raising their spirits and blowing the game wide open. As it turns out, this was Fahy's first ever grand slam, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
The Hunters never recovered from the big deficit, and pitcher Trent Job kept it all under control once again. It's a wonderful end to a season in which the Pumas never gave up hope, even with unavailable players, tough losses and more. Well done to Pakenham on a super strong finish they'll remember for years to come.
Photo: Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club - Facebook
Division 3 Reserves - Grand Final (Sunday, 3rd March)
St Kilda Saints vs. Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue
11 1
Last year's premiership winners cruised to another Grand Final victory as they got the better of the Hunters, a team they won twice and lost two games against during the regular 18 rounds. St Kilda's big bats had managed a 10-0 lead by the 6th inning, as they continually pressured the Hunters both offensively and defensively. The Saints were in a celebratory mood as they secured their second straight premiership, and their third in four years, in front of a supportive and enthusiastic home crowd.
Division 3 Firsts - Grand Final (Sunday, 3rd March)
Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue vs. Pakenham Pumas
3 7
7 runs seems to be the new magic number for Pakenham, as this run total has sealed the deal for two of their massive victories over tough competitors in the finals. This marks the second Puma-powered surprise in as many weeks, with both huge wins coming on the road.
As the Pumas battled against last year's premiers, the determination on both sides was abundantly clear. The game was tied at 1-1 heading into the 4th inning, and that's when the Pumas loaded the bases for Shaun Fahy. A reliable hitter all season along, he came in clutch with a picture-perfect grand slam, raising their spirits and blowing the game wide open. As it turns out, this was Fahy's first ever grand slam, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
The Hunters never recovered from the big deficit, and pitcher Trent Job kept it all under control once again. It's a wonderful end to a season in which the Pumas never gave up hope, even with unavailable players, tough losses and more. Well done to Pakenham on a super strong finish they'll remember for years to come.
Photo: Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club - Facebook
Division 3 Reserves - Grand Final (Sunday, 3rd March)
St Kilda Saints vs. Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue
11 1
Last year's premiership winners cruised to another Grand Final victory as they got the better of the Hunters, a team they won twice and lost two games against during the regular 18 rounds. St Kilda's big bats had managed a 10-0 lead by the 6th inning, as they continually pressured the Hunters both offensively and defensively. The Saints were in a celebratory mood as they secured their second straight premiership, and their third in four years, in front of a supportive and enthusiastic home crowd.
Division 3 Firsts - Semi Finals (Sunday, 24th Feb.)
Ormond Glenhuntly-Blue vs. Chelsea Dolphins
9 5
The reigning premiers will have a chance for back-to-back Grand Final victories after beating the Dolphins on Sunday. Ormond won 2 out of their 3 regular season games, and they put the pressure on this time around with some hard-hit balls and timely offensive production. After a big surprise in the other semi final, the Hunters will not face their undefeated rivals in the Grand Final but rather a team they've beaten 2 out of 3 times thus far this season.
St Kilda Saints vs. Pakenham Pumas
5 7
Ormond Glenhuntly-Blue vs. Chelsea Dolphins
9 5
The reigning premiers will have a chance for back-to-back Grand Final victories after beating the Dolphins on Sunday. Ormond won 2 out of their 3 regular season games, and they put the pressure on this time around with some hard-hit balls and timely offensive production. After a big surprise in the other semi final, the Hunters will not face their undefeated rivals in the Grand Final but rather a team they've beaten 2 out of 3 times thus far this season.
St Kilda Saints vs. Pakenham Pumas
5 7
The Saints were certainly a favourite heading into this game, considering they went 18-0 in the regular season and outscored the Pumas 45-8 in their three meetings. Yet Pakenham pulled off one of their best performances of the year, surprising St Kilda and showing their fans a stunning showcase of everything the team has to offer.
Starting pitcher Trent Job threw 9 innings for the win, and the Pumas worked their way to a 4-0 lead in the first few innings. While the Saints offense regrouped and got their scoring started eventually, it wasn't enough to save the game and they ended up down by two runs.
The Pumas, who last won the premiership in 2015/16, now have the momentum of this beautiful win on their shoulders, a fantastic result after a so-so 9-9 season that saw them finish fourth. There's the possibility that the Pumas may just pull of a remarkable premiership victory if they can hold their own against the Hunters.
Photo: Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club - Facebook
Division 3 Reserves - Semi Finals (Sunday, 24th Feb.)
St Kilda Saints vs. Chelsea Dolphins
14 4
The Saints finished the regular season with a 15-3 record, a stronger showing than the Dolphins' 8 wins and 9 losses. After a close call when they last faced Chelsea in round 17, as St Kilda narrowly pulled away with a 3-2 victory, the Saints buckled down and got the job done in impressive fashion. The reigning premiers will aim for a repeat performance as they take on Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue in the Grand Final.
Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue vs. Ormond Glenhuntly - Gold
22 12
This battle of the Hunters saw the Blue side prevail, but it was a high-scoring effort by each team nonetheless and a true show of comradery and friendship. This result means the same two teams will face each other in the Grand Final for the second year in a row, so it should be a riveting competition.
St Kilda Saints vs. Chelsea Dolphins
14 4
The Saints finished the regular season with a 15-3 record, a stronger showing than the Dolphins' 8 wins and 9 losses. After a close call when they last faced Chelsea in round 17, as St Kilda narrowly pulled away with a 3-2 victory, the Saints buckled down and got the job done in impressive fashion. The reigning premiers will aim for a repeat performance as they take on Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue in the Grand Final.
St Kilda Saints vs. Chelsea Dolphins
14 4
The Saints finished the regular season with a 15-3 record, a stronger showing than the Dolphins' 8 wins and 9 losses. After a close call when they last faced Chelsea in round 17, as St Kilda narrowly pulled away with a 3-2 victory, the Saints buckled down and got the job done in impressive fashion. The reigning premiers will aim for a repeat performance as they take on Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue in the Grand Final.
Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue vs. Ormond Glenhuntly - Gold
22 12
This battle of the Hunters saw the Blue side prevail, but it was a high-scoring effort by each team nonetheless and a true show of comradery and friendship. This result means the same two teams will face each other in the Grand Final for the second year in a row, so it should be a riveting competition.
Ormond Glenhuntly - Blue vs. Ormond Glenhuntly - Gold
22 12
This battle of the Hunters saw the Blue side prevail, but it was a high-scoring effort by each team nonetheless and a true show of comradery and friendship. This result means the same two teams will face each other in the Grand Final for the second year in a row, so it should be a riveting competition.