The mood of the boys was jovial and upbeat...becoming purposeful and focused nearer to the end. James Philibossian eventually led the boys away as skipper in a polite but determined fashion. He had a spring in his step - preparation to do and a game to win. The boys followed immediately and the boring parents were left. Common, but accepted practice. 'Philo' as the boys call him, is some sort of leader - and producing remarkable things with the bat too.
James has fed off Philo's positivity and focus. A great role model and roommate.
We were scheduled for a 1.00pm start and the weather today was sunny and hot. It was near 30 degrees. While this was a shock, we sought the unlikely...a victory by enough to leapfrog the favoured and fancied Victoria Blue. By doing this, we would then play fourth placed and sharpen the chances of a Grand Final appearance.
Significantly, the wind today was no less intense than any other day, but it had circled and was behind the pitchers and into the hitters' faces, for the first time in the tournament thus far. About time.
Claude Bova (Cronulla) is a mountain of a boy who throws hard. He blasted through early with a bit of wind assistance and a lot of natural ability. He smiles, is gentle and as another of James' roommates, he is a strong, resolute character. He was intimidating and hit three of their batters. Not a glorious thing for any pitcher, but when you throw as hard as Claude and clip a few Victorians, it can be a good thing for the team. It sent a message (however unintentional) that we were not there to be nice. Sporting and fair - but not a push over.
The trick today was to get pitchers out of there having done 'minors' (no more than 30 pitches in their pitching assignment). That way they can pitch again tomorrow or in the final. Claude continued for 2.2 innings until another pitcher was called up - James McCallum. Into the fire.
To pitch with a small lead of 4-1, James was under the blowtorch. The flashy bats and physical domination of the Vic Blue players has confounded many sides. Maybe EVERY side to date. Every one of their bats has hit over 300 in their batting stats (3 out of 10 safe hits) bar one. Very impressive stuff at this late stage of the tournament. A test of the highest order for any pitcher.
Pictured here is the moment James was told to warm up in the bullpen. The stride and the sense of purpose evident.
In the background, his bull pen preparation is seen unfolding.
James started with lower aimed balls, refusing to leave anything high and hittable. He pitched 29 pitches (21 strikes/ 8 balls) against seven Vic batters. Dale (.619) hit him for a single, Hayes (.667) hit him for a single with an error at third base, Homfray (.519) was caught, Sloan (.400) was struck out, Radevski (.429) was struck out, Brazier (.667) was struck out and Kingston (.188) was struck out.
Hayes (1 - the best), Brazier (2), Dale (4) and Homfray (9) are well entrenched in the top ten leading batters in the tournament. They are some sort of hitting line up. Big raw boned blokes who dine out on pitchers.
James was so wonderful under pressure again, giving up two hits but striking out four batters, giving up no runs and pitching 1.2 innings only. He threw a great mix of curve balls and off speed balls that perplexed the agitated opposition. They wanted to get hold of him but simply could not. It was quite delightful.
For about three quarters of an hour, James held court and moved the game massively in our favour.
Our batters teed off in between. Ben Hunt was a star. Simple swing, slight frame, nerves of steel and talent to burn. He hit (4/4) as easy as you like. Dean Frew was strong again (1/2), got onto base and scored two runs and Philo (2/4) was gold. Others (Dyer, Power, Mayo, Barbaro, Packer) chimed in with hits, but the procession took us to 11-1 up with one innings to play before a mercy victory if we could sustain the 10 run lead.
And we did, ending the game by mercy rule at 11-1.
James got rid of batter number one and then left the game, having reached his maximum number of pitches for today - as determined by the coaches. As he exited, he was met with rapturous applause by our appreciative crowd - and a few Victorians - who knew that his role, while small in some ways, was pivotal in the win.
We retain some hope he may pitch yet again before the tournament is done.
Dan Myrmell blasted the other two out. The win sent a strong message to the other leading teams. Sure, they did not pitch their superstars, but to win and then be told we had ended in first place was stunning. Importantly, our decisive victory also struck a blow to their confidence. One for the memory.
This sees us play the fourth placed team - either South Australia or Country NSW - tomorrow for the chance to get into the Grand Final. We are well placed for the Gold Medal game, but complacency is the companion of losers.
Liam was impressed.
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