Click on header to return to home page QUINNY'S WEEKLY RAP |
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Week 11 - Sunday 13th December. BAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!! On the weekend, we had the Saturday morning comps Xmas party along with a visit from Santa which all seemed to enjoy, although Santa did almost take out a couple of kids on the back of his Harley as they were running alongside him. Thanks to everyone who stayed to help clean up. Hope all of you have a great Xmas. Competition starts back on Saturday 30th January. The afternoon had a few more games than normal with the 3rds and 4ths heading out to St Kilda whilst the women headed to Springvale to take on their (friendly) rivals. I was a barren day on the winners list with all four teams going down, the thirds and Women's 1sts both by a solitary run. Great games though. On Sunday, the Under 18 notched up their first win in the new Metro Comp, also their first win of the season at home. The LL State and U16 State both continued their very impressive seasons whilst the U14 Metro White have also consolidated their position in the top 4 with another convincing win (after knocking off the LL State team in a practice match on Friday night. The U16 Metro White had a good win and also stays in the hunt for finals action. If we do not see you beforehand - the committee would like to extend to you all a very happy and safe Xmas and we hope to see you all ready and raring to go in the new year. And if you haven't realised yet - you need to get outstanding fees paid and return baseballs that are not yours!!!! Cheers Quinny
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Week 10 - Sunday 6th December
Oh No - what a disappointing week for the club, with only the U16 State and mens 4ths getting a win and the LL State managing to scrape through with a draw. The women had a bye this week. The hard luck story must go to the LL Metro team who came back in the game to take the lead in the last innings. 2 runs up. No runners on base. 2 out. The boys looked set for victory, but a couple of fielding errors and hits by the opposition saw the game slip away. Hey - you got a baseball at home or in your bag? If you do, I'll bet you didn't buy it!!!! Can everyone please go through their gear and return all baseballs that are not theirs. The big ball bin in the inside storeroom seems to be reducing by the week. It was full only 6 weeks ago. Please return these balls in the bin so they can be used for training. Also, we purchased 200 of the foam baseballs at the start of the season. These are not gifts or toys or prizes. They are training equipment. Again, if you have any, please return them. On a more positive note, this Saturday morning we have the Xmas breakup for our Tball and domestic baseball comps. Hope those involved enjoy. LADIES DAY IS COMING. Our annual Ladies Day will be on Saturday 13th Feb so mark it in your diaries. This is the biggest day at the club. Tickets and posters with all the details will hopefully be available next week. It really is a great day, just ask anyone who has been part of it before. This year we will have 2009 Australian Idol Semi Finalist Marijiana Topalovic performing. So keep you eye out for details.
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Week 9 - Sunday 29th November
Both womens teams had convincing wins over Port Melbourne. Great to see the seconds getting another win for the season. Very disappointing loss for the U18 team, leaving them to play in the Metro Comp after the redraw. I know you guys are disappointed but take it as an opportunity to have some success in the Metro Comp. In the seniors, the 2nds had a convincing win over Port keeping them in contention for a finals berth, but it was the firsts who really stood up. Trailing 6-1 going into the 8th, they rallied and scrambled to take the lead in the 9th and managed to shut out the Mariners for a long overdue victory.
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Week 8 - Sunday 22nd November
The floodgates opened on Sunday with only the mens firsts getting a game in on Sunday after some extensive cleanup work to get the ground in a playable condition. Up against Mulgrave, after 4 innings, the boys were down 10 zip with some late scrambled runs bringing a little respectability to the scoreline.
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Week 6 -Sunday 8th November This week - 15 games - 7 Wins In the first taste of a really hot weekend for baseball, our womens teams got things underway with the Division 2 team being rolled by Werribee and the Division 1 team following up with a resounding win over the same team in a dominant display. In the juniors, the LL State team scraped over the line with a stolen home base to upset Geelong by the smallest of runs. All three Under 14 sides suffered convincing losses (Metro Whites first loss for the season) whilst both Under 16 metro teams notched up confidence building wins. The Under 16 State suffered their first loss for the season thanks to a wholloping from Geelong but I am sure the boys will bounce back. Again, the Under 18 team started well but couldn't hang on. In the seniors, the 5th's suffered a close loss even with Ash Robson hitting another home run, this time with wood. The 2nds 3rds & 4ths all had great wins over Ormond but unfortunately a late recovery by the firsts to tie up the game in the 7th was not enough as Ormond kicked away again in the 8th. Coming up at the Cougars … Trivia night next Saturday - details at the clubrooms. Claxton Shield - show your support for the Victorian team by venturing down to Geelong next Friday night (20th) and cheering the boys on against SA. This Saturday, our womens teams face the might of Doncaster in the match of the round. Happy Hour from 2.30 to 4.30 so get down there and show your support. On Sunday, the seniors again have the opportunity to 'do it for the coach' when we face Mouse's former club Moorabbin with the firsts and seconds away and 3rds & 4ths at home. Cheers Quinny
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Week 5 - Sunday 1st November
This weeks games started on Monday night with the Cougars Masters team taking the field for the first time. Although they were outgunned by Sandy, they certainly enjoyed themselves and with the additional of 'young' gun recruit "The Prez" they will have a crack against Willy at Willy next week. The Women's teams were up against Malvern with the Div 2 team jumping out to a 7 nil lead after one innings but the bats stopped and eventually Malvern clawed back to draw the game, one of three draws suffered by the Cougars this week. Again, a very high quality game in the Div 1 game with the girls getting up 5-2. This week the girls are home against Werribee so get down there and support them. In the juniors, the LL State team suffered a tight loss against Cheltenham, whilst the 16 State and 18 State both had convincing wins against quality opposition, both scoring plenty of runs. !6 Metro Blue and LL Metro both had their chances to win their games but couldn't quite get over the line, with both teams splitting the points with their opposition. The seniors had mixed results with the firsts and seconds both going down to the Waverley Wildcats whilst the thirds and fourths both took the points. Great win from the fourths, their first of the season. This weekend, the women's teams are at home on Saturday. We need people to come down and work in the canteen and to support the girls. It should be a nice day so come down for a while and watch the action. The mens firsts and seconds are also at home this week. Guys, particularly the firsts and seconds, I know it has been a tough couple of weeks but we all know that there will be a little bit extra in this one for Mouse so lets really dig in and win this one for the coach. TRIVIA NIGHT - One of the highlights of the year, the Masonic Hall in Main St Berwick will again be the venue for the Cougars Trivia Night on Saturday 21st November. $10 per ticket. BYO Table nibbles. Drinks sold at bar prices. Please place you name/s on the noticeboard - organise your own tables or we can join you up with others on the night. If you are able to donate any prizes (raffles, auctions etc) please contact Gill on 0412 553 951. Gill can also take any bookings or enquiries you have regarding the night. Cheers
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Week 4 - Sunday 25th October This Week - 17 Games - 7 Wins A few really good results and a few not so good. Firstly, well done to the LL Metro, U14 State, Senior 3rds & Senior 5ths for chalking up their first wins of the season. A couple of notable individual performances this week. Adam Silva was on fire hitting three home runs for the day, Dan Betreen also hit a bomb (I think his first in seniors), Mal Pleydell, in his first game for the club, in his first at bat for the club, hit a Grand Slam in the Men's 5ths (backing up from Ash Robson's Slam for the same team the week before) and young Jake Dibben, in only his second start on the hill, striking out 10 over 4 innings in the LL Metro game. In the womens, in front of a predominantly Springvale crowd, the 2nds were a bit out classed by the much more experienced Springvale team. In the firsts, the result didn't our way either but what a fantastic game of baseball. This was really tight all the way through but the girls just couldn't scrape enough runs together and went down 5-3. I am sure they are looking forward to having another crack at Springvale in a few weeks. I would encourage all members to support these women's games as the spectator numbers from Berwick have been very disappointing. If you have never watched women's baseball before, come down and have a look - the standard in the Division 1 level will probably surprise you!!!! In the mens, the firsts and seconds went done in games that they let slip. Both games were tight but once Willy got ahead, there was no catching them. The Seconds suffered their first loss of the season and I am sure both teams will be keen to go up against the young Waverley Wildcats team this week. The mens 3rds and 5ths both had their first wins of the season so lets hope that is the start of it. With many young players in these teams, I am sure they have the enthusiasm to push harder and rack up a few more wins. The 4ths seem to not be doing themselves (or their pitchers) any favours. Get down to training and train hard. Knock the errors out of your game and the results will change. In the juniors, the LL State side continue with their impressive form, as did the Under 16 State team, both notching up impressive victories and scoring plenty of runs whilst the U14 Metro White side also continued with their unbeaten season. U14 State played solid baseball to get win number 1 on the board whilst the LL Metro team also got their first win after establishing an early lead, the game getting all squared up, and then kicking away in the last dig. Coming up at the Cougars ……
BV LEAGUES PLAY AS NORMAL THIS WEEKEND. Yep, games for the Women's, Sunday Juniors and Men's are as normal this weekend. TRIVIA NIGHT - One of the highlights of the year, the Masonic Hall in Main St Berwick will again be the venue for the Cougars Trivia Night on Saturday 21st November. $10 per ticket. BYO Table nibbles. Drinks sold at bar prices. Please place you name/s on the noticeboard - organise your own tables or we can join you up with others on the night. If you are able to donate any prizes (raffles, auctions etc) please contact Gill on 0412 553 951. Gill can also take any bookings or enquiries you have regarding the night. Cheers Quinny
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Week 3 - Sunday 18th October. This Week - 14 Games - 6 Wins I would just like to ask if all parents could assist with the marking of the grounds before home games. We appreciate that many of you are not sure what you need to do but if you ask your respective coaches, they can assist you to get started and explain what needs to occur. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. The more time the coaches need to spend setting up the ground, the less time they can devote to your children. This Sunday we will be holding our Sponsor's day from 3.30 where we have invited all club sponsors to come down and watch the Men's firsts play and have a drink and something to eat. Our sponsors directly assist us in being able to offer some of the cheapest fees in the league and although many are from within the club, there also many that are from outside the club and have not had involvement with baseball previously. I would ask all members to make an effort to attend the game to show these people the what a big club we have. If anyone is looking to sponsor the club and has not already done so, please contact either myself or Craig Wood. Refer to the website for further details. Last weekend two of our Junior teams had walkovers due to the opposition forfeiting whilst our two women's teams had a bye. The standout performances of the week were the Little League State and Men's Seconds. The Little League State side were up against perhaps the most challenging club in this agegroup, Waverley. Our Little League coach of the last three seasons, Daniel Betreen, had never tasted victory against Waverley and I wonder how long it has been since the club has in this agegroup. Well these boys were up to the task and even after their early lead was eroded, they didn't give up and hit back quickly to end up with a three run win. Absolutely fantastic effort from Dan and the boys. Well done. And the seniors seconds which has over half of their players also playing juniors, what a fantastic result beating one of the strongest teams in the competition in a real grinder. Luke Hornstra, back after a years rest and coming back through the twos got the go ahead RBI with a hit to deep right field to get the lead. Stuart Brunton has been absolutely terrific on the hill and did so again on Sunday. Giving up only 2 runs to this team was a fantastic effort. The two's remain undefeated. In the men's firsts, although they walked away with a 6-4 loss against flag favourites Fitzroy, the boys can really hold their heads high. The Cougars struggled to cope with the ground and made a number of uncharacteristic fielding errors which turned into runs for the Lions with the majority of their runs showing as 'unearned' in the scorebook. But no excuses, it is the same for both teams and I am sure after that performance when we weren't at our best, we will be more hungry to have a crack at them next time. Again Martin Kennedy was outstanding, going through 5 innings but unfortunately the fielding didn't support him. Brad Hubbard replaced Marty in the 6th and managed to keep the Lions scoreless from then on. There are still a few teams yet to crack their first win for the season. Hang in there guys. It is very early days and there is a long way to go. Coming up …… Sunday, as mentioned, the men's teams are up against Williamstown, last years Division 3 premiers. Willy have been strengthened this season with the return of some players and are yet to taste defeat this season. As mentioned, it is our sponsors day so come down and have a look. 1st's and 2nd's at home this week. Monday - yep Monday Night Baseball is no longer only available on Foxtel or OneHD in Berwick, you can now get your fix at the club with our Masters team. This Monday night, the boys will be playing their first game of the season - at home against Sandringham. Game time is still to be confirmed but will be either 6pm or 6.30. A great family night to get our relax watch some baseball (and more than likely have a bit of a laugh!!!). Cheers Quinny
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Week 2 - Sunday 11th October 14 Games - 8 wins Don't forget the $1000 draw this Saturday. Tickets are still available and can be purchased from the canteen or through Gill Gavin on 0412 553 951. Most of our junior teams got underway on the weekend with the Little League teams getting started next week. Mixed results for the juniors, with 5 teams winning. It was decided last week we would have two under 14 Metro and two under 16 metro sides this year. These four sides have both only just got the required number of players which will make things tight if players are unavailable. Our rationale was that it would be better having four teams of nine players getting full games every week and having to play a player short the odd week than two teams of 16 or 18 and players having excessive bench time. I would hope that all players and parents are supportive of this approach. Hopefully, as usually happens through the season, we can pick up a few more players in these agegroups to give us a little buffer. On Saturday, our two women's teams played their first home games for the season in front of a small but vocal crowd. The firsts had a comfortable win whilst the seconds chalked up their first win of the season which was very exciting for all. Most people throughout the club are familiar with the talented boys in team McLardy. Well these boys are going to have to step it up if the want to even come close to matching the performances so far of mum Tracey, who again picked up multiple hits and held her own at shortstop. Well done to both teams, winning is one thing, but the enjoyment you are having out there is even better. Next week, the women have the bye. For the seniors, the firsts and seconds again had wins over our arch rivals Springvale (both teams two from two for the season). The young seconds team, missing five players from last week, and with the average age of the team dropping significantly lower, got out to a 7-0 lead. Springvale came back and looked threatening but finished up short with our boys claiming a 7-0 win. The firsts were down a couple of runs early but clawed back, bit by bit and in the 7th took the lead. Going into the last, Springvale had the tying run on second but could progress. The outfielders were outstanding, chasing down a number of fly balls that looked destined to be safe hits. Martin Kennedy was again outstanding through 6 inning whilst Brad Hubbard was miserly over the last three. The thirds, fourths and fifths (playing their first game of the season) were all a little undermanned and could quite get the job done. But it is very early in the season I am sure these teams with notch up their first wins of the season shortly. Next week, the seniors play the preseason favourites for the Division 2 flag, Fitzroy. It is a huge assignment but the boys are ready to give it a crack against the benchmark of the competition. Our Saturday morning Tball program and domestic Under 12 comps are both underway. We are a little light on for Tballers so if you know of anyone (5-8 yo) then send them down around 8.45 on a Saturday morning. For those interested in having a run in the Masters comp, it gets underway on the 26th with the boys first game against Sandringham at Berwick. Games start at 6.30 and go for an 1 hour and 45 minutes. Everyone welcome, even if you haven't played before. Next Monday night (19th) there will be a light training run for everyone to have a hit and a throw, followed by a team meeting at 7.30. Everyone interested should at least attend the team meeting. Enquiries, contact Marty Kmet on 0413 176411. Cheers Quinny
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Round 1 - 4th October 2009. Welcome to another season of baseball at the Cougars. In particular a very warm welcome to all our new players who have joined the club this season. We hope you all enjoy your time with us and have a long and successful relationship with the club. Men's & Women's got underway on the weekend. Great start on Saturday for the Men's 1sts & 2nds both notching up the clubs first EVER wins in Division 2. Well done boys. Great to see Martin Kennedy pitching deep into the game and well done to Shaun Fahy on hitting the first bomb of season 2009/10. The 2nds started the game with only two players over 20 in the starting 9 and after a nervous start, won comfortably with everyone contributing. We were hoping for a clean sweep in the mens after that start but unfortunately both the 3rds and 4ths went down by a solitary run. Bad luck boys. After we counted up the numbers late last week, it became clear that we will need a 5th mens side for the first time ever (you will hear a lot of 'first time ever's from me this season). Thanks to Ash Robson for putting up his hand to lead the 5ths. Might be the 5ths but that is not necessarily a reflection of a lower standard as it is still a very competitive competition but perhaps not played in such a die hard manner. If you would like to join the 5ths, please speak to Mouse or Ash. The women's team also got underway on Saturday with our combined teams with Springvale splitting the points with the 1sts having a comfortable win against Waverley and the 2nds going down to Sandringham. Great to see the 2nds, which is predominantly Berwick players, out on the park and from all reports they did OK and enjoyed themselves. The women's teams are at home this Saturday (2nds at 1pm, 1sts at 3.30pm) so it would be fantastic to see a big crowd there to support them. Any ladies at the club (13 or older) who get a little itchy and wouldn't mind a run, there are still spots available, no experience necessary. Contact Gill on 0412553951. Our Juniors get underway this weekend and again, bigger than ever. This season we have 7, possibly 8 junior teams (club record either way) and will have our first ever Under 18 team. I would like to welcome Michael Poole to the club, coach of the Under 18 State team, who came to us with the intention of getting an Under 18 team up and running and it looks like we will. I would also like to thank all our junior coaches for putting their hands up to do the job. Please provide them all with as much support as you can by helping them with whatever they need done. Coaches should not need to mark the diamonds and run around doing other things on game day. Let them focus on getting the kids ready for the game. And another first (yes, for the first time ever again) we will be entering in a Master's team this season. The Masters comp is all about having fun and a little exercise and is open to anyone 38 and above (but you need to be 40 to pitch so sorry guys, you will have to wait another year to see my side arm funk!!!) and no experience is necessary. Please contact Marty Kmet on 0413 176 411 if you are interested. Socially, Friday night is a Pizza night at the club for our Junior Season Launch from 6pm. $10 per family. Also, on the 17th October, our women's players have organised a $1000 draw night. $50 per ticket gets two people in. Free beer, wine and softies from 7 - 8pm and 10 - 11pm. Our resident DJ Rob Printz will be playing the tunes. See the flyers or posters up at the clubrooms for more details or contact Gill if you would like tickets or you can purchase from the canteen. And don't forget our sponsors drive. $100 per sponsor which gets you in the draw to be the clubs major sponsor which includes signage around the ground and tickets to all club events. Well I think that will do for the first week. Good luck to everyone for the season. And to everyone at the club, the bigger we get, the more there is to do, so don't ever be afraid to pitch in and help out with things around the club, promise we won't bite!!!!! Quinny
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