Arriving at the ground today it was certain we would finish at least second (first if an unlikely Western Australia fell over today) in the opening phase of the tournament. Two pools of teams 1-4 and teams 5-8 are formed from today and compete in the next important phase of the competition.
This necessitated some significant changes to the roster with Wilkins (pitcher), Percival (catcher), Whatson (1B), Gulieri (2B), Hore (SS), Simon (3B), Morris (LF), Holm (CF) and Eckberg (RF) taking the field. The double header schedule this year (as opposed to the different format last year) has opened up more opportunities for all players and allowed the coaches more flexibility after our robust start to the tournament against a string of the competition heavyweights.
With this line up, James was again off the field with a host of others, but all were cheering loudly for an unheralded group, often playing out of position - but a highly focused and combative group of teammates.
Victoria White were also resting some players - deckchairs being moved around the deck of the Titanic as it emerged - and allowing other players to qualify (a minimum number of bats and a minimum number of outings are required for all players in your team - 20 players in total). The rotational policy is alive and well in Geelong. Micky Arthur - he of two christian names - would be proud. Victoria White had performed more capably than most teams this year and are part of a hugely successful Victorian baseball programme.
And so it was that from the opening pitch (pictured above), our pitchers mainly formed our batting line up. More pitchers than an art gallery. And they did not disappoint. They hit with style and panache. They were considered and ran the bases with gusto and intelligence.
Our fielding too was solid and reliable. A neat double play by Sam Gulieri and some tidy work from Ryan Hore was complemented by sound catching and intuitive ground fielding. Apparently all their bedrooms are similarly ordered and neat in their hotel. Brad Simon was more accurate than the Federal Treasurer and more powerful than Eddie Obeid's goats at third base. At first base, Isaac Whatson was again measured and assured. Perhaps one day he will be an accountant.
James Percival ('Storm Boy') was also very impressive behind the plate, catching and blocking all that came his way. NFL tight end forward stuff. His hitting too has been a feature of his performance at this tournament. He is in good company with both Bailey Musulin and Adam Barbaro. The catching/ hitting depth is better than that offered by most domestic parents with toddlers.
At 15-1 we had won by mercy. No towels thrown in or no white flags, just a decisive victory. Wilkins had started the game and pitched steadily. A theodolite. He established a positive tone and Gorman was as consistent as concrete. Job done.
The game secured our position in the competition and demonstrated that we have a hunger for success, regardless of who takes the field. This was the most impressive feature of today's outing. The team work is strong. Primed for better, we will need it when the quality of our opponents step up dramatically in the coming days. Ladders will be required. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra.
James Percival ('Storm Boy') was also very impressive behind the plate, catching and blocking all that came his way. NFL tight end forward stuff. His hitting too has been a feature of his performance at this tournament. He is in good company with both Bailey Musulin and Adam Barbaro. The catching/ hitting depth is better than that offered by most domestic parents with toddlers.
At 15-1 we had won by mercy. No towels thrown in or no white flags, just a decisive victory. Wilkins had started the game and pitched steadily. A theodolite. He established a positive tone and Gorman was as consistent as concrete. Job done.
The game secured our position in the competition and demonstrated that we have a hunger for success, regardless of who takes the field. This was the most impressive feature of today's outing. The team work is strong. Primed for better, we will need it when the quality of our opponents step up dramatically in the coming days. Ladders will be required. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra.
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