With the game set for 6:45pm we spent the day exploring some of the local areas including the Arltunga gold mine, cave paintings at Emily Gap and Trephina Gorge. Nice day out and good use of time - there is only so much time you can spend drinking by the pool.
Coming into the game we knew that regardless of the outcome we'd be facing off with the Weasels for the gold on Saturday, however there was still something to play for with both teams needing to qualify pitchers (through minimum innings pitched) and the winner of this game getting the home dugout for the final.
Positive start with us just giving up 2 runs in the first and replying with 6 of our own. Same story in the second with the score moving to a 10-3 lead and then a 14-7 lead after 3 innings. With time running out we blanked them in the fourth and added 4 more ourselves to get the mercy rule for an early finish and an 18-7 result. Given it was over 30 degrees at 8pm it was a welcome outcome.
Following the game we were invited to the home of the resort owner as a thank you - we've put plenty of cash through her bar this week so she's obviously keen for us to return in 2 years time. A relatively early night with the final game ahead. It's a 1pm start (2:30pm Sydney time) so keep your fingers crossed for me.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Game 5 vs Eagles
Plenty to play for with a win guaranteeing a shot at gold. Having been beaten previously by the Eagles, this was an important game.
From the start we showed our intention, swinging the bats and taking advantage of loose pitching and fielding. After getting 4 runs in the first and conceding 3, it looked like an arm wrestle. We bounced back in the second with another 8 runs, and shutting out the Eagles to take a stranglehold on the game. Another 7 runs in the third and just one to the Eagles saw a final score of 19-4
Plenty to celebrate after the game. We're having a quiet afternoon by the pool before having a spit night with the Bulls.
Game 4 vs Weasels
Had the sensible shoes on Tuesday night, looking to take advantage of a morning massage followed by mid-afternoon game on Wednesday.
This was an important game as the Weasels are the local team who are currently undefeated and have won gold at the last few Games. Having seen them embarrass some of the other teams, this would be a chance for us to take an advantage into the medal rounds.
Started in left field and expected to get some action as we were using the game to qualify some additional pitchers. On the third pitch of the game one of the Weasels hit a monster foul ball (just) to my right which I hoped was not a sign of things to come. Thankfully, I didn't see the ball again for the entire game as our pitchers 'funky junk' mesmerised the Weasels, frustrating them into plenty of cheap outs.
In these tournaments the idea is to get in front early and force the opposite side into errors as they chase you against the clock. This is exactly how it panned out with us taking a 4-3 lead after 2 innings to 11-4 after 3 innings and finally an 18-5 victory. Both of the latter innings had strong 2-out rallies that did the job for us.
This was an important game as the Weasels are the local team who are currently undefeated and have won gold at the last few Games. Having seen them embarrass some of the other teams, this would be a chance for us to take an advantage into the medal rounds.
Started in left field and expected to get some action as we were using the game to qualify some additional pitchers. On the third pitch of the game one of the Weasels hit a monster foul ball (just) to my right which I hoped was not a sign of things to come. Thankfully, I didn't see the ball again for the entire game as our pitchers 'funky junk' mesmerised the Weasels, frustrating them into plenty of cheap outs.
In these tournaments the idea is to get in front early and force the opposite side into errors as they chase you against the clock. This is exactly how it panned out with us taking a 4-3 lead after 2 innings to 11-4 after 3 innings and finally an 18-5 victory. Both of the latter innings had strong 2-out rallies that did the job for us.
Sour note for the game was Leo injuring his ankle on a hard slide into home - he was safe which started the third inning rally. Off to get x-rays today but expect no breaks.
Happy with my batting - starting to hit them more solidly. Drew a few walks though which is sort of frustrating. Obviously the quality of pitching is below what many of us are used to in the Sydney comp.
Following the game we tidied up for a team dinner at the local English pub. A few Guiness and some soccer in the background led to a decent night out. Unfortunately we were the only patrons after 10:00pm so they shut up shop early. There was a concert on at the Casino so most of us headed across.
Not a bad night, with a few extra dollars added to the kitty vis the blackjack tables. Around midnight a group of us were enjoying a chat at the outdoor bar when a flurry of SMS arrived. Coach Kennedy had decided to name his side early to encourage the starters to get back in early - this came about as a result of a few lads hitting it pretty hard the past few days and being unable to do anything more than pinch run for the catchers. Checked my message and it turns out I'm catching. Knowing what this will do to me, I finished off the bear juice and headed home. I'm on the search for a post-game massage - I'm going to need it.
A win today will guarantee us a place in the gold medal game so everyone is fired up. Looking forward to it. Fingers crossed
Following the game we tidied up for a team dinner at the local English pub. A few Guiness and some soccer in the background led to a decent night out. Unfortunately we were the only patrons after 10:00pm so they shut up shop early. There was a concert on at the Casino so most of us headed across.
Not a bad night, with a few extra dollars added to the kitty vis the blackjack tables. Around midnight a group of us were enjoying a chat at the outdoor bar when a flurry of SMS arrived. Coach Kennedy had decided to name his side early to encourage the starters to get back in early - this came about as a result of a few lads hitting it pretty hard the past few days and being unable to do anything more than pinch run for the catchers. Checked my message and it turns out I'm catching. Knowing what this will do to me, I finished off the bear juice and headed home. I'm on the search for a post-game massage - I'm going to need it.
A win today will guarantee us a place in the gold medal game so everyone is fired up. Looking forward to it. Fingers crossed
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Game 3 vs Bulls
The first night game, with a 9pm start, was a real chane of pace with the wind picking up and the game temperature well below the daytime mid-30s. Following on from the bonding trip, most of the team spent the day sightseeing in the local area and/or catching up on sleep. Nana naps are all the rage at the Masters Games
The team were a lot more prepared and confident coming into the game, and even after a nervous first inning where we fell behind 3-2, there was plenty of positive talk. Neville pitched well to have us down 4-3 after three innings before the bats sparked in the 4th inning to take a 7-4 lead. A shutout of the Bulls in the 4th, followed by another 4 runs in the 5th took us to an 11-4 win
Solid work by the Cubs with minimal errors, though they did make me work hard on 1st. We completed 2 double plays to get out of jams in the first few innings and had good support from the outfield.
Had some trouble adjusting to the light from the batting box but drew another hit by pitch, a single and a KC. As a result I have my first painted nail (blue) from kangaroo court.
Following the game had a quiet night. Have a massage booked in the morning, a mid-afternoon game and a concert later on for all of the competitors. Looking forward to another relaxing day.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Team Bonding
We arranged to be taken out to the West MacDonnell Ranges for an overnighter - mainly to fill in time, but the added benefit of some team bonding after an embarrassing loss.
First stop was Ellery Creek Big Hole for a relieving dip in icy water after a hot bus trip. Back on the road and we were at Glen Helen Gorge just before sundown. Great spot with not many travellers around. The plan was to set up camp - swags under the stars - before dark.
Cooked up a decent BBQ and a few drinks before we had the fire blazing. Fun night, plenty of stories and alcohol-induced stupidity. Looking forward to seeing whether it has the desired effect on the diamond later tonight
Game 2 vs Eagles
Looks like we got a little ahead of ourselves. Walking into this game with some confidence we walked away with some big issues. After such a strong first game we turned in a shocker. Our starting pitcher walked or gave up hits to the first 6 batters to have us behind 2-0 with no outs. We had to insert a reliever much earlier than expected but he got the job done, giving us a chance to claw back some runs and hold a 3-2 lead after the first inning.
A better second inning saw us extend to a 4-2 lead before the top of the third inning led to the Eagles tacking on 2 runs and loading the bases with no outs. Time for me to come into the game to see if we can shut them down. A few infield errors and bloop hits saw the bases empty but 2 outs. Another series of errors and we had runners on 2nd and 3rd. Not a great time for a muffed fly at centre. Before we knew it we were behind 10-4 with time running short.
Time for a rally!!! Unfortunately our leadoffs were out weakly before I managed another hit by pitch, steal of second and advance to third on a hit. A weak infield out and it was game over.
Fair to say we were fairly disappointed. We have an overnight trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges to sort it out before a late game on Tuesday.
A better second inning saw us extend to a 4-2 lead before the top of the third inning led to the Eagles tacking on 2 runs and loading the bases with no outs. Time for me to come into the game to see if we can shut them down. A few infield errors and bloop hits saw the bases empty but 2 outs. Another series of errors and we had runners on 2nd and 3rd. Not a great time for a muffed fly at centre. Before we knew it we were behind 10-4 with time running short.
Time for a rally!!! Unfortunately our leadoffs were out weakly before I managed another hit by pitch, steal of second and advance to third on a hit. A weak infield out and it was game over.
Fair to say we were fairly disappointed. We have an overnight trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges to sort it out before a late game on Tuesday.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The morning after....
No surprises that the Cubs hit town with a vengeance last night. After our win and seeing another team in our division (who we play today) get pasted 27-3 we're looking like we could be heading towards the medal round. As a result everyone was in the mood to celebrate. Feeling pretty good myself. Had a 50 pitch outing so arm is good and the bruise on the baby cow is minor. Just keen to get back out there.
A few headed out to a local steakhouse that specialise in regional 'roadkill'. When the menu includes emu, camel and roo you have to ask the question, especially up here. The place had a decent wine cellar which Paul snr (a bloke with too much money to throw around and a good knowledge of grape juice) took advantage of. Who am I to say no to an expert.
Met up with the rest of the squad at the casino - it is either there or a local saloon called BoJangles - for a rowdy night and a few sessions at the tables. Had a pretty good run at blackjack, pulling a $500 profit. Gotta know when to quit. Paul snr had a better night than last time. Watched him lose over $3k on Friday, but he recovered about half of that back. Pretty sure he'll be back.
Plenty of over 35's out and about. Most are pretty cool, but the netball girls hunt in packs and are just scary - if they set their sights on you its over. One of our lads got dragged to a netball table and was swarmed - not sure if he made it out.
On the bench today to rest for a decisive match on Wednesday. We have a day game today followed by 2 night games so I've arranged an overnight trip to a waterhole out west. We'll have a driver, 14 swags, a BBQ, plenty of dead animal and liquid refreshments. Will be nice to just get out of town and do some exploring. Will update on the game result later.
A few headed out to a local steakhouse that specialise in regional 'roadkill'. When the menu includes emu, camel and roo you have to ask the question, especially up here. The place had a decent wine cellar which Paul snr (a bloke with too much money to throw around and a good knowledge of grape juice) took advantage of. Who am I to say no to an expert.
Met up with the rest of the squad at the casino - it is either there or a local saloon called BoJangles - for a rowdy night and a few sessions at the tables. Had a pretty good run at blackjack, pulling a $500 profit. Gotta know when to quit. Paul snr had a better night than last time. Watched him lose over $3k on Friday, but he recovered about half of that back. Pretty sure he'll be back.
Plenty of over 35's out and about. Most are pretty cool, but the netball girls hunt in packs and are just scary - if they set their sights on you its over. One of our lads got dragged to a netball table and was swarmed - not sure if he made it out.
On the bench today to rest for a decisive match on Wednesday. We have a day game today followed by 2 night games so I've arranged an overnight trip to a waterhole out west. We'll have a driver, 14 swags, a BBQ, plenty of dead animal and liquid refreshments. Will be nice to just get out of town and do some exploring. Will update on the game result later.
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