A loss, but Lions hold their pride

By Jarrod Potter
DEPLETED in players, but not determination, Springvale managed to hold its own against ladder-leaders Bonbeach, only just falling in the last innings 7-4.
Going into the ninth innings, the teams were tied at 4-4 before Bonbeach hit the lead and held out Springvale to take the win. Miles Barnden pitched the entire game for the Lions in an outstanding performance.
The seconds took a 14-7 loss to Bonbeach, the thirds lost 13-8 and the fourths knocked off Sandringham 9-6.
In the women’s matches, firsts got up 18-3 against Geelong, seconds lost 9-8 to Waverley and thirds knocked off Doncaster in a high scoring match 18-15.
Springvale coach Mick Wearne said that while the loss was disappointing, to be even after eight innings with the best in the league was promising.
“Both teams lost unfortunately, couple of good games and were reasonably close,” Wearne said.
“We were a bit undermanned with three or four away so we did pretty well against the top team with the unavailabilities.”
“Miles Barnden pitched the whole game and did a good job. Only four runs over eight innings is a good effort.”
The Lions will be even more stretched for numbers this round against Berwick with Shae Lilliwhite, Rob Hogan and Miles Barnden out.
“We’ll be even more undermanned this week,” Wearne said. “Going up to help the girls in a women’s tournament in Sydney.
“Don’t like our chances – it’s going to be tough for the boys but we’ll see how we go.”