Tara Murray
The Newport Rams never dreamed in their wildest dreams the success they would have in the Baseball Victoria summer league season.
After claiming the division 2 women’s title along with premierships in their men’s second, third and fourth sides last weekend, the Rams completed the set on Sunday.
The Rams division 2 claimed victory in game three of the best of three series against local rival, Williamstown Wolves.
Rams president Paul Walshe was stoked.
“It’s been an amazing two weeks for the club,” he said. “It’s the greatest year we’ve had success wise.
“A women’s premiership, four men’s premiership and a club championship, it’s still sinking in.
“One premiership is great, two is amazing and but getting four teams and women [premierships] really says the club is going in the right direction with its culture and values.”
In the men’s division 2 grand final series, it was a battle between two teams that know each other well with many playing against each other since juniors.
After claiming game one 7-4, the Wolves came away with a big win in game three, 17-9.
It meant the Rams had to fight back from a disappointing game two.
Walshe said game two was pretty disappointing from their perspective.
“We made too many errors on Saturday,” he said. Willy hurt us with a lot of hits.
“We made errors and were flat. The group though remained positive heading into game three.”
Game three was all about the pitchers, with neither side getting many opportunities until in the later innings.
Some late hits got the job done for the Rams, which won 4-0.
Walshe said David Tongue, who had pitched on Thursday night, backed it up in a phenomenal performance.
He said to do what he did in a short period of time was unheard of.
“The pitchers dominated for the whole game,” he said.
“Only late we had a bit of baseball luck went our way and we got a couple of hits. We didn’t make any errors on Sunday and Williamstown made some at crucial moments.
“David was fantastic. Only behind winning a game for a pitcher is pitching the perfect game with no hits.
“Right until the last innings they had no hits.”
The win means the Rams will be promoted to division 1 next season. Their women’s side will also be promoted to division 1 following their win.
Walshe said they would look to back up this season’s strong performance next season.
“It’s awesome to see the development pathway set up by Sean [Arnott],” he said.
“His leadership on the project started several years ago.
“We had four or five kids in the side who are actually juniors. We’ve focused on bringing through home ground talent.
“We have a bright future.”
