Springvale on winning spree

By Mark Gullick
SPRINGVALE recaptured its early season form with a 17-1 thrashing of Port Melbourne at Wearne Reserve on Sunday.
“Port Melbourne were a little bit undermanned,” Springvale coach Mick Wearne said.
“They have an American pitcher, but he didn’t pitch during the match.”
Melbourne Aces pitcher Brad Hertzler, veteran Neil Cavanaugh and Australian representatives Shae Lillywhite were all standouts in a strong term performance.
Springvale took the lead early in the match and were rarely challenged as they ran out emphatic winners.
Springvale is one of four teams tied at seven wins for the season,
“The competition is very, very even so you can’t afford to drop any games,” Wearne said.
“Every game is important.”
With a series of winnable matches on the upcoming fixture, Springvale has the opportunity to secure its position at the top of the ladder.
Springvale travels to Preston today, then Footscray on Sunday.
In Division One of the women’s league, the two Springvale teams met in the local derby. The Pumas were too strong for the Lions, winning 11-0.
“There’s a fair bit of rivalry there, but unfortunately for the Lions, there were a few girls missing and they didn’t play as well as they could,” Wearne said.
Springvale blew its best chance in years to finally defeat Doncaster in Division Two.
Despite leading 4-0 at the last inning, Springvale conceded five runs to lose the match in heart-breaking circumstances.