IN the last game of the home and away round against the Wangaratta Rangers, the Panthers C grade side needed a win to finish on top of the ladder, and a path straight into the grand final.

The first innings was a perfect start, with pitcher Liam Quinton throwing some serious heat striking out two batters, and shortstop Luca Barthelmes throwing out the runner at first to keep the Rangers scoreless.

The Panther then scored five runs, with walks to Pete Alexander, Lachie Rosser and Mason Anders had the runners on base, and safe hits from Luka Barthelmes, Ollie Chambers and Liam Quinton bringing in the runs.

The second innings was the one that won the match, with the Panthers only allowing the Rangers one run and striking out two batters.

The Panthers then scored another five runs to put the match out of reach, with three batters receiving walks and hits once again going to Liam Quinton, Ayla McCallum and Pete Alexander.

The Rangers rallied late to score six runs, but the damage was done, and the Panthers ran away with a 12-8 win.

The fourth placed under 15 Porepunkah Panthers took on the first placed Wangaratta Rangers in an elimination final.

The first innings had Wangaratta score five runs, with Panthers pitcher Paige Anders and first baseman Ollie Brown combining for an out.

The Panthers responded by getting one run across, with Ayla McCallum obtaining a walk and stealing her way all the way round.

The second innings had the Rangers score another five runs, and to the Panthers credit they had their best innings and also scored five runs.

Walks to Panthers Samara McCallum and Steph Alexander, and Sophie Anders, Wes Booth and Amelie Ferrito who were hit by pitch all scored.

The last innings with Wangaratta four runs up could have gone either way, but it was the Rangers who ran away winners.

The Panther scored one run in the last with Ayla McCallum hitting a big two base bomb and stealing home.

Final score - Wangaratta 16 def Porepunkah 7.

The A grade side had their final match of the season against the Albury Bears, putting in a solid effort with a young side.

Ollie Chambers took the hill for Porepunkah’s first innings, limiting the Bears to six runs, striking out one batter and forcing fly balls for the other two outs.

The Panthers responded with leadoff batter Dean Anders hitting a double, followed by team Rosser (Adam and Lachie) both hitting safely.

A pitching change to Dean Anders had the Albury Bears score another four runs over three innings, with no runs coming in for the Panthers.

Porepunkah’s Liam Quinton took an impressive four catches playing centre field for the day, covering good ground.

The Panthers then had Adam Rosser, Jimmy Hughes and Paul Meddings rotate pitching duties to finish the game, with 17-2 being the final score.