Quietly confident and loaded with first year players in Issac Whatson (who started), Ben Tsui (who started), Wilkins (who pitched second), Holm and Stevens, the boys began with some unease before a brilliant double play from Jordan Lindsay at second base got us out of there without impact. This though soon went bad as we gave them a 1-4 lead with wayward pitching. Walks are usually for Little Athletics.
Our pitching rotation against one of the comparative minnows was not our best, but we struggled with our lead off Eckberg and young Wilkins being dragged before irreconcilable damage was caused. Neither were terrible...just nervous in front of some 150 people in the crowd. Both needed and received the steady hands and wisdom of their teammates which will steer them to better things later in the tournament. Their disappointment was like a fallen icecream on a hot day in the doorway of the shop. Or a shoe sale without your size. Much hope, promise and an inexplicable mess. Thankfully there is always more icecream - and more shoe sales.
However, unexpectedly pitchforked into action, Blake Morris from Manly rose to the occasion and pitched superbly for 4.1 innings, striking out five of their batters. He was resolute under pressure and steadied a ship that was seemingly more Titanic than Sydney ferry. Like a young kid starting the family mower, he was persistent and blissfully courageous.
Dean Frew led grandly as our lead off (first) batter and registered three hits. Daniel Myrmell bombed a towering home run out of the park with another crushing blow and a brace of hits came from Ben Hunt (2), Tsui (1), McCallum (1), Musulin (1) and Bohan (1). Extraordinarily, we made 11 hits and not one fielding error.
James played as designated hitter (in the much desired three spot) - an insurance policy for him possibly being used as a pitcher in the game. At times, he looked like he would be required. However his 5 bats included one hit, one 'hit by pitch' and he had two walks and ground out once. A strong display. He was primed for the battle and as keen as ever.
As a 'true age' player now, there is a huge difference in confidence and 'place' in the team. His leadership is much needed along with his tenacity, drive and purpose. Today was about setting the tone of expectation in his game and in his teammates. Giant leaps for all when in the trenches.
Ultimately, as brave as NSW Country were, their lack of comparative pitching depth saw them surrender late runs and a 14-6 win was ours. We made no errors in the field and were clinical by the end.
National tournament play is about juggling your pitching depth and doing so with double headers (which we have tomorrow). The strategy, planning and balance this requires makes coaches and support staff into mathematicians. Soothsayers are also welcome. Tomorrow this is put to the sword.
The games against two competition heavyweights tomorrow - Queensland and Western Australia - will be a searching test of character. Equally, they are much anticipated. Almost as much as an unexpected jacket in the back of a friend's car in Geelong.
We head to sub 20 degree temperatures tomorrow. That carbon tax is working a treat.
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