Suiside pulled off an impressive come-from-behind upset in the 2022-23 Geraldton division 1 softball grand final defeating the Rams 3-2 to secure their third consecutive championship title.
Rams had finished minor premiers while Suiside finished third and last on the ladder and only made the final after beating Martians twice to get through the eliminators.
Rams were led by Dion Harrison, who provided both hits for his team, while Suiside’s Sean Thompson pitched well after relieving Cooper Jefferies and stepped up to get the crucial hit for his team.Suiside joint coach and player Dylan Percy spoke highly of his team’s effort and performance.
“Feeling relieved and proud of what we have achieved this season, words can’t describe how grateful I am to the support I’ve had and the players I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” he said.
The final was not without controversy, with the game threatening to boil over in the fifth inning.
After Harrison had put the Rams up 2-0 with a deep hit to centre field, Liam Meharry thought he had tied the game after crushing the cover off a ball, sending it beyond the cars on the hill at left field with Jy Thurstun already on second.
But while Thurstun scored, Meharry’s run was ruled out due to home plate not being correctly walked, with Meharry ejected from the game in the high emotions following the call.
However, to Suiside’s credit they were able to cool their heads and took the lead, with Thompson’s hit at the top of the seventh enough to get them in front before he closed out the game from the mound.
Rams had led most of the night and despite losing Damien Taylor to a dislocated shoulder sliding into first base, looked the better of the sides until Meharry’s hit.
Despite the disappointment, Rams coach and pitcher Dean Pascoe, who was named league MVP, praised his team’s solid performance and the opposition’s resilience.
“I thought we had the team to win it this year. Our fielding was exceptional, we just couldn’t string enough hits together in what was a jam-packed grand final,” he said.
“There was plenty of passion. Our boys will regroup over the break, and I am sure we will be back even hungrier to take the win next year.”
It was a game of fine margins but credit to Suiside who managed to pull off the comeback.
In the division 2 men’s final, Suiside also claimed victory, taking the win 8-1 over Rams.
The team put on an impressive display, with superb play from Linc Scott and Zac Smith, who both hit home runs. Scott was awarded the MVP award for his outstanding performance in the grand final.
Suiside’s catcher Jay Corlett also played a crucial role in their victory.
He caught an outstanding game and made no errors. Scatena also contributed to the team’s offense with one double and one single safe hit.
