Geraldton softball men’s grand final: Rams pull out nailbiter against Suiside to take out flag

The Rams Softball Club had a thrilling weekend with the men’s division one side scoring an against-the-odds victory against minor premiers Suiside in the grand final on Saturday night.

However, Suiside had a victory of their own, with the men’s division two team clinching their premiership earlier in the day after beating Batavia Blaze in the grand final.

The division one Rams played their best game of the season and were superb both at bat and in the field. Shane Clark, Dean Pascoe, and Dion Harrison all led by example with multiple hits and game-changing moments on the diamond.

The game saw the Rams up by three runs early after Suiside took some time to warm into the match, Dylan Percy’s Bulldogs managed to square things off at 3-3 in the fifth inning and ensured the game went to a tiebreaker.

Shane Clark played a key role in the catcher’s spot, with several key plays including an impressive catch earlier in the game.

Pascoe pitched a strikeout in the final at bat, which gave the Rams the win, with Suiside unable to score during the tiebreak, the player/coach led the revels as the team ran onto the diamond to celebrate.

For his efforts, Pascoe was awarded grand final MVP, after the game he was ecstatic about the victory and full of praise for both his own players and those on the opposition side.

“It was an epic game, so many ups and downs. Shane Clark caught really well and was our standout batter, but it was a well-rounded effort by all,” he said.

“Marshall Harrison came up with a brilliant hit to score a run early on, and Jordan Narkle also came up with a clutch hit. The top of Suiside’s line-up looked dangerous all game, but we managed to make the big fielding plays when they counted.

“I’m extremely proud of our young team, and after going down 4-3 last year, it was an unreal win this year.”

Suiside coach Dylan Percy was pragmatic in defeat and showed admiration for the victors.

“It was an amazing game to be a part of, obviously, there were a few close calls that didn’t go our way late in the game, but we started slow which really hurt us in the end,” he said.

“I would say Dion Harrison was a deciding factor both with his fielding and batting, which were on point. My boys hit well at times but couldn’t get multiple hits together to score enough runs.”

Suiside topped off an impressive season as the division two men beat Blaze 2-0 to take the Premiership after securing the minor premiership earlier this season.

Suiside played marvellously, as they have done all season, with Kane Jefferies batting and pitching in superb style and rightfully taking the MVP award for the game.