Tara Murray
It’s grand final time for the North Western Titans’ men’s team in the Baseball Victoria Summer League.
The Titans put it all together on Sunday against Footscray, to seal their first ever grand final berth in division 3.
Titans president Danny Haymes said the side was able to play really well despite the trying wet conditions, winning 11-3.
“The men played brilliantly,” he said.
“The boys turned it on and Connor Wilson threw outstanding. Everyone hit the ball and they all stepped up as a team.”
The win puts the Titans into their first grand final since 2012-13 when they won the division 4 title.
The grand final spot is the result of a lot of hard work over the last few years, as Haymes set about helping the club rise up the ranks.
“That was the plan when I joined four-five years ago, to be competitive,” he said.
“It’s very nice and it’s clicked this season after several years.
“It’s always been one innings that has hurt us, we haven’t had that problem this season. We’re a lot better and we’ve got players who contribute every week.
“I’m very proud of where we’ve got to in the last few years.”
Haymes said the rise of youngsters through the ranks had helped with their development. Kyle Hodgetts, who is 17, is in the side, with a couple of younger kids on the bench ready to go.
The Titans will be in for a test against Springvale Lions in the grand final.
“We have not beaten them yet,” Haymes said.
“Last time we played them, we were short on players.”
The Titans women’s side fell short of a grand final for a second straight season in division 3 west.
They lost their preliminary final to Doncaster 26-3.
Haymes said the side had continued to develop this year.
“We have been consistent the last couple of years,” he said.
“We had a couple of new players this season which has been great. They should all be proud of their efforts this season.
“We are looking at having two sides next year.”
