By Tara Murray
A slow start proved costly for the North Western Titans in the Baseball Victoria summer league regional west women’s grand final.
Looking for their second women’s premiership, the Titans had to take on Alfredton in the grand final at the Melbourne Ballpark on Saturday.
Alfredton led the ledger between the two teams after a win in the final round of the season which had no consequence. The other three matches had been close, including a draw.
On Saturday, Alfredton jumped out of the blocks and led 7-1 after the first innings.
There was no coming back from there for the Titans, who lost 14-6. The Titans finished with four runs in the third innings to finish their season on a positive note.
Titans’ Danny Haymes said while they were disappointed not to get the win, they were very proud of the women’s side.
“We’re flat, but proud,” he said. “The girls tried hard but the first innings let them down.
“They had a slow start. Possibly some nerves, but there were a couple of mistakes running bases throughout the day as well that hurt.
“It was a good achievement and we are proud of them and they are looking forward to next season already.
“They want to get cracking and there’s good things to come.”
Haymes said one of the big positives was seeing some of the junior girls coming into the side and having an impact.
He said they will only keep getting better and they were the long term future of the program.
“They have done pretty well,” he said. “They’ve had their ups and downs and are learning as they go.
“They fitted in quite well. As they get older and stronger they’ll hopefully continue to play a role.
“The side benefits from their enthusiasm.”
The loss brings to the end of the season for the Titans. Both their men’s sides missed out on finals.
Haymes and some of the juniors are part of state teams as a coach and players continuing to help further develop those who are coming through.
It means many of the juniors will keep on training through until the championships in March and April.
The club will again enter winter sides, with Haymes saying some of the female players would play as part of the men’s sides in the winter.
He said they were keen to get out and play in the winter season.
