Season 2008: Finals

Both finals were played in neutral territory for the first time in the association’s history and what a day it turned out to be.

With the diamond marked out on near perfect turf on the Willetton football ground, the sun shining brightly, and Soccer finals being played within spitting distance, the stage was set for two classic Grand Finals and let me tell you that is exactly what we were all treated to.

Raiders v Aarks - Curtain Raiser

The early game started with Aarks scoring 7 (3, 2, 2, 0) runs through 4 innings but Raiders were able to maintain the edge scoring 10 (5, 3, 1, 1) as the game reached the half way point.

Both teams scored 6 each in the 5 & 6 innings and it looked like the Raiders had it in the bag going into the last innings with a healthy 3 run lead. But Aarks were not to be denied as they gathered momentum and scored one of the runs required and had the other 2 on base to level the scores. The winning run approached the plate and hit a deep fly ball to left centre but it was gobbled up by left field as the runners advanced to 2nd & 3rd with now 2 outs. Raiders were one out away from winning a Grand Final and Aarks were one hit away from tying the game and placing the winning run on base. The atmosphere was electric and nerves were showing on both sides as the pitcher battled with what could be the last batter. With the count two balls and two strikes the pitcher sent down a sizzler. The batter was ready and as the bat came through and made solid contact with the ball the runners took off toward the plate. The hot shot was fielded deep at short stop and as the fielder came up to throw the ball it was anybodies game. The throw was on its way and so was the runner in a last ditch effort to out run the air born ball; the final result was the ball hit and stuck in the first basemen’s glove just in front of the runner and Raiders won a great Grand Final by 2 runs 16 - 14.

Rangers v Sliders - Main Game.

After being treated to such a thrilling game earlier it was always going to be difficult to maintain the same spectator interest. Sliders turned up ready to play and after a very solid 1.5hrs warm-up/training session prior to the commencement of the game some of us were wondering whether they had over cooked themselves. Early indications were a definite NO NO NO as they bounced out of the blocks scoring 17 runs in the 1st and methodically went about getting 3 outs and keeping a shell shocked Rangers to zero. A serious blow out was on the cards as Rangers managed only 6 runs through 4 innings (0, 5, 1, 0) to Sliders 21 runs (17, 0, 1, 3). It looked like Rangers Grand Final dominance was over with 3 innings remaining but the worm slowly began to turn in the 5th as Rangers added 8 to Sliders 0 and followed it up with another 7 run rally in the 6th. All of a sudden the crowd began to take more interest as Rangers held Sliders to 0 in the top of the 7th and were chasing 2 runs to tie and 3 for a win as they went into bat in the 7th. As batters became runners Rangers were looking dangerous as they scored one run and had the winning run at the plate. In what looked like a boil over Sliders began to look very desperate as they defended a solitary one run lead that stood between them and their first premiership in 14 years. That desperation and mindset was enough for them to conquer their demons and hold Rangers at bay to win another classic Grand Final by the smallest of margins and turn their dream into reality. Sliders 23 - Rangers 22.

Thanks to all umpires who volunteered to assist and congratulations to all teams throughout the finals as they certainly did the association, their respective teams, and themselves proud as all games were played at an exceptionally high standard and therefore made the umpires job a breeze. Let,s also remember the support people who work behind the scenes to ensure we all have an enjoyable day. Commiserations to Aarks and Rangers and there is no doubt any of the 4 sides would have been worthy winners.

Once again congratulations’ to both our premiership teams for 2008 Raiders and Sliders.