Mens 1 sts
Saturday 6th – beat Geelong 4-0
As this was a make-up game for a midweek washout, a two-hour game was the call of the day as opposed to the customary nine innings. Daryn Cassidy produced the kind of dominance that has been a signature of his time in Melbourne red; firing eight shut-out innings, giving up just three hits and striking out a lazy ten. Three runs in the first innings off the bats of Brett Caulfield and Brendan Ratcliffe was all Melbourne would need and when Ian Semple drove in number four in the sixth the deal was done. Cass was on automatic and with the defence rock solid, anchored by the killer left side of Stuart Cox and Jay Willis, Geelong were never a chance.
Sunday 7th - Washout
Mens 2 nds – beat Cheltenham 9-3
With Tim Frost on the mound, the seconds were always going to be in with a show if the bats could get going and they sure started with a bang. Six runs in the first inning ensuring that Melbourne would start and stay on top for the entire match. Tim Frost held up his end of the bargain, pitching a great game in trying, winter like conditions only giving up one genuine hit and a few chinkers all day. The defensive highlight of the day was a brilliant effort to throw out a runner at the plate from deep left field. Matty May picked up the ball from the fence, hit Jordon Mitchelhill on the chest with an absolute seed who threw the runner out by a step. The only worry was the weather which threatened all day but only really produced a couple of short, light showers. Heavy rain in the days preceding the match ensured a soggy encounter, but thanks to the grounds team lead by Gavin Mann and Geoff Mead, the field was fit for play. In a bonus of sorts for the seconds, all other matches were washed out ensuring that we stay in touch with the top teams.
Mens 3 rds – beat Cheltenham 9-5
In very wet conditions the thirds took on a very young and enthusiastic Cheltenham. Initially struggling for numbers, thanks must go to an injured Aidan Davis for helping out and Rodney Hough for also filling a position until Rhett Mitchelhill stepped in. Melbourne got off to a slow start as Cheltenham grabbed the early momentum with a double play in the first. They scored early forcing Melbourne to spend much of the game playing catch-up baseball. The turning point of the game was a three run double to James Roy that turned the momentum firmly in the Demon direction. Seven late runs saw the Melbourne side cement a comfortable win. Ry Stanes pitched a good game with the wet ball and was aptly relieved by Gary "Millsy" Mills who closed out the last innings. It was a well deserved win with the team keeping focus until the end. Thanks again to the guys who helped out.
Mens 4 ths – Washout
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Ladies – Washout at Melton
The girls ventured down to Melton this week, where they were informed it had rained every day for the first time in five years, thus ending any hope of there being a game. Next week the ladies play the ladder leaders at home. It sure would be nice to see some senior support and familiar faces in tow, as it will be a great game.
U18 – Washout
U16 – lost to Cheltenham 2-1
U14 Demons – Washout
Our scheduled match against Doncaster for Sunday the 7th of November was washed out due to the conditions of the ground. The week before (31st October) the Demons were hosting Werribee at Macleay Park. Greg and Alex were away, so Gary Arthur took over coaching for the day. In an unfortunate incident during the week, Tristan broke his arm bike riding. With a depleted side, we called upon Jack and Nick from the Red Sox, who fortunately had a bye. The end result was Werribee 7, Demons 4. Ben Cull had a great game on the mound and with the bat, containing Werribee to 3 runs from four innings pitched. Bryce Taylor also had a great game, which saw him catching to cover for an injured Emerson, until he also sustained an injury. Our fielding was much better this week, with only one error; however the bat let us down when it counted most. Safe hits went to Ben Cull (2, triple), Bryce Taylor (2, double), Tim Stephens, Chris Karabatsos and Campbell Wiggins.
U14 Red Sox – lost to Essendon 16-10
U12 – beat Moorabbin 15-5
Sunday will go down in the records as the wettest match day for some years with a high percentage of games washed out. The U12's played at Moorabbin and fortunately the ground was in fair condition apart from the pitching plate hole which resulted in an ankle injury to our starting pitcher. The day was cold and the Melbourne boys were keen to get a good start. There were 4 digs and Melbourne batted in 7 runs in 3 of the 4 for a total of 22 runs to Moorabbin’s 5. Unfortunately the clock beat the boys in the end and the match was counted back to 3 innings with a final score of Melbourne 15 to Moorabbin 5. Pitchers were Brandon Hough (retired injured), Patrick Politis and Jack Scheffer pitching strong enough to hold the Moorabbin side to no safe hits for the day. Our boys had a field day with the bat with safe hits to Patrick Politis (3), Jai (2) Michael (2), Ravi, Brandon and Jack. We had the opportunity to try out a few positional changes to see how the boys fared with good results. Well done boys to consolidate your position in 4th spot on the ladder. This week will test the boys when they meet Waverley Cougars, currently in 5th spot on the ladder, at home.
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