Under oppressive conditions - driving winds and blistering sun - the boys got to work on Diamond 2 in what fast became an armwrestle against a valiant South Australia. We started slowly and were a little too quiet. Hot weather can do that to you. The thought of talking is too exhausting. All efforts need to be mobilised to one purpose - the ball.
We had earlier arrived to the news that Victoria Blue had beaten Queensland 6-4 and already progressed through to the Grand Final. Lying in wait. Many of them drifted over to our field for a look, like ducks in a pond. Crocodiles beneath.
We started on the mound with Nick Eckberg who pitched 5.2 innings for a "major" (over 75 pitches). He got better after a spate of early hits, uncharacteristically leaving a few high pitches which were sat on and duly dispatched. At 2-1 down we were in a fight. However Nick was relentless, seeking, probing and exposing their line up. Five strike outs was resounding. Their pitcher did a grand job too, but flagged when others did not.
As South Australia retreated to their second pitcher, things freed up a little more for us. We hit more readily. Dyer, Barbaro, Power and of course Hunt all contributed. Philibossian and Moran hit another two for this game. Batters on base was the name of the game and Dean Frew deserves particular mention for his ability today to confidently and sensibly absorb pitches, be selective, remain patient and get on base. His pace between the bags then took care of the runs. Responsible, team centred baseball.
Before too long - longer then most were comfortable to accept - we were away, racking up a flurry of late runs to extend to 7-2 and eventually end at this core after forfeting our last innings. The scorers swapped pencils, as the wind intensified. By the end of the final innings, the dust provided an instant spray tan of sorts and the sun had bleached our clothes.
Liam still found time to interrogate James about secret brother's business. No lack of confidence there.
To the final therefore and with Victoria Blue having spent their quick pitcher (Brazier) today, we will face others from their stable instead. No less intense. No less challenging. Nonetheless, a remarkable achievement by our boys to position themselves so fondly.
The final will be played out on Diamond 1 at 2.30pm tomorrow which is an outstanding auditorium. Available to pitch are most of our arms - Bova, Moran, Simon, McCallum, Dixon, O'Connell and Richardson. We are loaded up and excuse free.
For James it was a day of bench only. He may yet get another chance to contribute to a win.
The weather is expected to close in tomorrow and offer moderate conditions in the mid 20's. An early forecast says "partly cloudy, isolated showers, chance of thunderstorms and winds to 35kmph". Lucky dip really.
The sporting gods prefer skill. We have plenty of that, provided we hit and stay aggressive.
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