Mens 1sts – beat Fiztroy 11-4
The 1sts have climbed out of relegation zone, on percentage only, with a big win over bottom of the table Fitzroy. It is the Demons' first win since the end of November. Daryn Cassidy was outstanding on the mound after returning from Australian Provincial duties and was finally backed up the the offence lead by Mark Doubleday with 4 hits and Michael Dunn putting one over the left field fence for a GRAND SLAM! The field was sloppy early but did enough with the bat to run over the top.
Mens 2nds – lost to Fitzroy 0-12
Have struggled for the 3rd week in a row. Having beaten Fitzroy on the previous meeting Melbourne was keen to do the same but couldn't find the hits after loading up the bases or getting runners to third on a number of occaisons. Improvement must be found.
Mens 3rds – Drew with Fitzroy 10-10
No match report submitted
Mens 4ths – lost to Fitzroy 5-8
No match report submitted
Ladies - Not on web, not sure what happened.
No match report submitted
Masters – beat Sunshine 7-4
No match report submitted
Under 18 Melbourne – BYE
No match report submitted
Under 18 Melbourne/Doncaster – lost by forfeit
Under 16 – lost to Geelong 13-1
No match report submitted
Under 14 Demons – lost to Waverley 6-10
No match report submitted
Under 14 Red Sox – beat Doncaster 14-7
ROUND 11 29/1/06 Melbourne Red Sox v Blackburn at Blackburn
Fresh from a 6 week layoff, in gloomy and muggy conditions the team traveled to Blackburn to resume the battle for the finals. Thanks to Keli for helping with the warm up, by the time for the game to start everyone looked raring to go – except Hugh who returned nursing an arm in plaster to take up the role of 1 st base coach. Lenny screamed in right on the death and we were away
After a tight defensive game in which both teams were held to just 2 runs after 4 innings, the strength of table leader Blackburn finally broke through in the bottom of the 5 th to score a 9 -5 win over the gallant Red Sox.
Despite the break and lack of training, Melbourne came to play and for most of the game looked to have Blackburn’s measure. Alex pitched strongly and was well supported in the field. Offensively, the team was able to get a number of runners on base but struggled to come home against the tight Blackburn outfit. In the end Blackburn’s power batting proved too much but the difference between the teams was not that great and Melbourne came away knowing that they could match it with the best.
In the 5 th innings it looked promising for Melbourne – could they pull it off? The first 3 batters – Jack, Jai and Cal – all scored after solid hits with Jack hitting the first 2 base hit for the game. Blackburn brought on a new pitcher and the feeling was there that maybe this could be exploited. Despite a couple of walks and Alex being reprieved after the umpire lost the count, it wasn’t to be as the team was struck out. Conor was desperately unlucky to get a big chunk of a couple of foul balls which could just as easily have been hits.
Blackburn hit its straps in the bottom of the 5 th with the first 3 batters all getting 2 base hits and the first 5 batters all scoring. After the third batter Jai replaced Alex on the mound with the unenviable task of trying to stem the momentum. Despite one very good strikeout, Blackburn was on a roll and after a couple more hits the innings was ended on the scoring of the 7 th run.
Under 12 Demons - Round 11: Melbourne 14 defeated Upwey FTG 13
This match turned into a very competitive game on the scorecard with the young Demons asleep from the big break. The Upwey FTG pitching was not very good with some 17 walks in the game, compared to only one from Melbourne's excellent pitching. This stopped our players from hitting like they have in the season so far. The Demons could only muster 2 hitters for the day with Brandon 2 safe hits and James with one. This game was a lesson for the Demons players who still need to work hard to make the out's and stop the competition from advancing.
Brandon started off the pitching and didn't miss a beat all day. Jack came in to close out the game sitting down 3 of the last 4 batters with an equally impressive pitching stint.
The fielding let the team down in this game with as many as 10 errors providing most of the Upwey runs unearnt, 5 of these coming from the 1st dig.
Melbourne have 3 games remaining for the season. Next week they take on Malvern in an important percentage building game to secure the double chance. They then return to Upwey when they have a Bye to take on a challenge with the STATE U12 team who also have a bye. This is intended to test the players as they prepare for the final game against Berwick, a rematch from the only loss for the season.
If the Demons can beat the Berwick team they can secure a top 2 position on the ladder and a double chance for the Finals.
Good Luck Demons, we are all behind you.
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