– Picture gallery to come
– Built for finals: Williamstown Wolves armed and dangerous
WILLIAMSTOWN Wolves are howling with delight after winning the 2012-13 Baseball Victoria summer league division 2 premiership.
The Wolves overcame a see-sawing battle with the Mulgrave Rebels in a best-of-three grand final to swoop on the holy grail.
They were forced to clinch the series on the road at the Rebels’ field after failing to record a second win at home on Saturday.
Wolves playing president Ryan Camov admitted the difference between his side’s mental approach from Saturday to Sunday was like chalk and cheese.
“We came into the game yesterday and we had a bit of a sense of expectation that we were going to get away with it,” he said of game two.
“Our application was pretty poor and we got what we deserved [an 8-3 home loss].
“Today, I didn’t know what to expect, but the minute I stepped out on to the bench I realised there were 25 people who were either playing, on the bench or otherwise who were ready to go.
“We were there to win it.”
The Wolves won game three, 12-6, in spectacular fashion at Robert Booth Reserve on Sunday. They quickly opened up a 9-0 lead by the top of the fourth and never looked back.
“We really jumped out of the blocks today,” Camov said.
“One through nine, the boys were ready to go.”
Wolves starting pitcher Jason Lester and Rebels import Mike McGillivray struggled for command as the physical toll of a tough week on the mound became evident.
The Wolves batters, however, were most effective, giving their reliever Josh Lee plenty of breathing space.
“Jason Lester did an amazing job to get back up after Wednesday and be ready to go,” Camov said.
“He gave us the start we needed. Then Josh came in and was fantastic.He really took the pressure off the field by really getting at the hitters and gave us every chance to win the game.”
Player-coach Dean Marnell’s insertion into the line-up after a week’s suspension was huge, not only because of the importance of his batting but also his ability to lift those around him.
“Deano has been a phenomenal pick-up for us, both as coach and as a hitter,” Camov said.
“He’s a dangerous hitter and being able to add him back into the line-up today gave us a lot of depth and it gives the guys around him a lot more confidence.”
Lead-off hitter Aaron Green was superb in the batter’s box for the Wolves while, defensively, Michael Pollock was water-tight at third base.
To name individuals on such a big occasion would not do justice to every player who pulled on the Wolves kit on Sunday.
“Everyone contributed today,” Camov said. “Guys delivered when they had to. We hit well for the situations. Guys put balls in play, hit sac flys, put bunts down and ran the bases hard, a lot of base hits back to back to back. It was a real team win today.”
Wolves life member Les Flower had the honour of presenting Marnell with the coveted Reg Darling Shield in the post-game ceremony.
SCOREBOARD
Summer League: Division 2
Grand final series
Game 1 (Wednesday, Melbourne Ballpark): Williamstown Wolves 10 Mulgrave Rebels 3
Game 2 (Saturday, Greenwich Reserve): Williamstown Wolves 3 Mulgrave Rebels 8
Game 3 (Sunday, Robert Booth Reserve): Mulgrave Rebels 6 Williamstown Wolves 12
