Lions’ break-away win

By Stuart Teather
SPRINGVALE’S winning ways continued on the weekend with both the men’s division three and women’s division one Baseball Victoria teams claiming big wins.
The Lady Lions put in a blistering performance against Doncaster at Deep Creek Reserve, eventually winning with the mercy rule 12-2 in the seventh innings.
Ella Holien started on the mound and gave little away, conceding one run in just over four innings.
Star pitcher Simone Wearne took over for the final two-and-a-half innings and did not make life any easier for the home side.
As for the batting, coach Mick Wearne said star hitter Shae Lillywhite was again impressive.
“Shae Lillywhite had a standout day, she got three from four and hit in a couple of our runs, and Jess Adkins, back from overseas, got two hits and played very well, so it was good to get her back in the line-up.”
Wearne said his side put in one of its best performances of the year, especially in the field.
“Our pitching and defence was excellent, our pitching in particular was sensational, it was the best we’ve had in a long time.
“(But) we won 12-2 and probably didn’t do as well as we could — we had bases loaded and none out about four times and only scored one or two runs.
“Our situational batting wasn’t the best but having said that we still won 12-2.”
Despite the resounding win against their closest rivals, it was not all good news for the Lions, with gun player Cat Row breaking her arm sliding into second base.
Broken arms are becoming a badge of honour at K.H. Wearne Reserve, with Vic Brown just returning from a similar injury she sustained against Malvern in late November.
“It’s disappointing as she’s an integral part of the team obviously,” Wearne said. “There wasn’t a lot in it, she went down awkwardly, slid and broke it.”
Meanwhile the men’s side faced bottom side Footscray and cruised to victory 14-2.
Home runs from import David Hermes and Glen Richards helped the side to a big win, while Mick Wearne held pitching duties for the game.
This week the women have a bye, while the men have a big game against Williamstown.