Under 12

The Porepunkah Panthers juniors were up against the Albury Bears at Porepunkah on Sunday.

In a close game there was only one run separating the teams at the end of play.

The first innings had Porepunkah switching on in the field, allowing the Bears only two runs, with Panthers pitcher Zac Gould throwing out a runner at first base.

Byron Smith then had the next runner out with a nicely-caught flyball and the third out came quickly after with Zac making another play.

The Panthers then continued their batting form from last week scoring six runs, with Yuna Meddings, Rylan Harris and Conrad Scorsis all hitting double base hits, and there were single base hits going to Ryland McCormack and Sophie Giuliano.

The second innings again was a good one for the Panthers allowing the Bears only two runs, Porepunkah had runners on base in their at bat but could not get a run over the plate.

Albury then applied some pressure scoring six runs in the top of the third to take the lead, with Porepunkah scoring two runs thanks to Zac Gould and Ryan Harris hitting another double.

With Albury leading 10-8 going into the last dig, it was a great effort by Porepunkah to restrict Albury to just two runs and give themselves a chance at another win.

Panthers Ryland McCormack, Zakk Podubinski and Mena Meddings then all impressed by hitting safely at critical times and working their way around the bases to score, and with the Panthers only one run short they were unlucky not to score again.

Final score: Porepunkah 11 def by Albury 12.

Under 15

The Panthers’ under 15 team took on North Albury at home in their last game of baseball for the year.

Paige Anders led things off on the bump, throwing to the ever-reliable Ayla McCallum behind the dish, starting strongly obtaining three strike outs straight up.

The Panthers then immediately responded, with Rory Clarke hitting a single as the lead-off and followed by a string of walks and hit by pitches - Wes Booth and Hunter Harris both taking one for the team - scored six runs.

In the next innings the Panthers were again able to keep the Bears scoreless.

With a change of pitcher, the Bears also kept the Panthers scoreless with Steph Alexander the only player to get on base.

Hunter Harris came in to relieve in the third innings, pitching accurately to get two strikeouts and backed up with clean fielding from shortstop Rory Clarke.

In the bottom of the third, Ayla McCallum led off with a massive double.

With some sharp fielding from a Tasmyn Clunie hit, the Bears rolled a double and kept the Panthers scoreless.

Harris continued pitching well and was again backed up by his field with Clarke and second base Alexander picking up ground balls and throwing runners out at first.

At the bottom of the fourth, Paige Anders led off with a hard-hit single and stole her way around the bases to put another run on the board for the Panthers.

The Bears were able to score some late runs and the Panthers brought in their closer Eamon Thomson to finish the match, pitching well and getting the Bears to ground out to first to finish the match.

With uneven innings, the score reverted back to a 7-0 win to the Panthers.

Being the last game for the 15s, the club would like to thank the team scorer Lisa Anders and all other parents, coaches and volunteers who help make this all possible.

C grade

The Porepunkah Panthers couldn’t quite keep the runs flowing against the Albury Bears as they went down 11-5 on Sunday.

It was a good start for Porepunkah in the first innings keeping the Albury Bears to just one run, with Panther catcher Jarrod McCormack’s throw down to third baseman Jason Brown to tag a runner being the highlight.

Porepunkah then took the lead after Sam Bourne walked - Jason Brown them doubled down the leftfield line, and Peter Alexander hitting a sacrifice scoring two runs.

The Bears then were a bit better on base and hit the gaps to score 10 runs in the next two innings with the Panthers managing three runs.

This time it was Panthers Sam Bourne and Sophie Anders who did the damage with the bat both collecting safe hits, with Sophie’s hit going over the centrefielder’s head.

Ollie Brown ran amok on the bases for Porepunkah, with the most stolen bases.

Wade Pronk started on the mound for Porepunkah - the left-hander allowed 10 hits and 11 runs, striking out one and walking four.

B grade

It was a tough match for the Porepunkah as they couldn’t quite find the gaps with the bat going down 19-5 against the Albury Bears.

Albury jumped out of the blocks scoring three runs to start the first innings, Porepunkah responded with Amos Fabich and Mason Anders getting on base and both finding their way around to score.

The second innings had Albury score seven runs, with Porepunkah’s Randy Skippen making a nice throw to Luka Barthelmes at first base obtaining an out.

The Panthers had to wait until the third innings for their next run, with Adrian Quinton hitting safely to centre field and stealing his way all the way home.

Josh Harris also hit safely to bring in one run.

The Panthers had 11 stolen bases for the day with Mason Anders leading all comers.

Taking on the pitching duties for the Panthers was the father son combination of Liam and Adrian Quinton.

Liam surrendered four hits and ten runs over two innings striking out one and walking six, with Adrian giving up six hits and nine runs over four innings, striking out five and walking three.

A grade

Playing the top of the table Albury Bears, the Panthers had one of their best matches for the year as far as teamwork in concerned, just falling short 9-6.

Luca Barthelmes was a solid contributor throughout the day, pitching the whole game for the Panthers.

He gave up only nine runs (six earned) over six innings, striking out one and walking one.

Damon Barker also has a big influence behind the plate, calling the right pitches at the right time and also throwing a runner out on base when needed.

Adam Rosser and Joshua Harris each collected two hits for the Panthers - Harris went two for three and led the team with two runs batted in.

Panthers Mason Anders and Heath Anders combined in the infield to roll a double in the play of the day.