Lions storm to big win

By Paul Pickering
A FREAK electrical storm sidelined the rampaging Springvale Lions in the Baseball Victoria Women’s Division One competition on Saturday.
The ladder-leading Lions played host to Malvern at K.H. Wearne Field, but the match was declared a draw after localised storms descended on the Keysborough venue in the bottom of the first inning.
On Sunday, Springvale’s Division Three men continued their charge towards a fourth straight flag, travelling to Hanks Reserve in Yarraville to give last-placed Footscray a 13-2 spanking.
The feature of the game was the stunning return of former national league pitcher Miles Barnden, who complemented a Thursday night shut-out against Chelsea with an impressive seven-innings display at the mound.
Afterwards, playing coach Ben Bartlett said he was delighted to have Barnden in the bullpen after two years out of the game.
“He was fantastic and he’s certainly a welcome addition to our pitching staff,” Bartlett said.
Equally pleasing for Springvale was the batting form of resting pitcher Glenn Richards, who slammed back-to-back home runs in the second and third innings on Sunday.
Bartlett was also impressed with the contributions of fringe players Andrew Peulen (four hits) and Rowan Hall (two), with both pressing for a regular spot in the Lions’ first team.
“I was very happy with the way the guys hit the ball,” Bartlett said.
“And to have those guys come up from the twos and get a few knocks shows that we’ve got the depth there.”
Springvale’s embarrassment of riches will be further bolstered this weekend, with former Australian representative and Major League draftee Scott Wearne set to return to the mound against Berwick on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the ladies will have to wait until Saturday 9 February before returning to the diamond at Waverley.