Flag there for the taking.
By Michael Trevorah
The Cheltenham Rustlers rounded off there year, securing the Division 2 Premiership in 2 games straight against the Newport Rams.
Both Clubs relegated at last season’s end, return to the top flight next Summer Season.
With all finals played at Melbourne Ball Park, Game 1 was in finals mode, as both teams found the scoring difficult early.
Ben Fierenzi drew a 2 out walk in the 5th, and scored on Conor Myles’ triple to post the first run.
Newport were able to even it up in the top half of the 8th.
The Chelt. bats lit up in the equalizer, as Myles, Jacko Hunkin and Cheddar Gribbin combined for a further run, Jack Enciondo hitting for himself in the pitchers spot, scored another,and with Kane Davidson rounding out the innings in a top hand at bat , scoring two, and take a 5/1 lead to the ninth.
Enciondo (8 innings) and Remington closed out the match for the win.
Game 2 was dominated by the throwers , as Jesse Remington and Asp got the respective starts for their Clubs.
12 strikeouts by the Rustlers Ace, kept the Rams hitters scoreless.
Dante Caruso, a late starter due to school commitments,made an immediate impact with a stand up triple to Right field, but was stranded as the Chelt. hitters were kept at bay by the Rams Asp.
The short game came to play when Myles’ running bunt was followed by a Dylan Trevorah sacrifice bunt.
Jackson Hunkin pounced on a pitch to right field scoring one, leaving the Clutch man Kane Davidson to do it again, scoring pinch runner Michael Moore for an insurance run.
2 runs was enough, as Jesse closed out the game, and season.
Coach Bryan Kloppe adding “Our pitching staff was awesome , letting in 1 run over 18 innings”
“The Players and Coaching staff were committed for the whole season, and the results came our way”
Click here to read the published Moorabbin Leader version
