THE Mount Gambier and District baseball 2022/2023 home and away season came to a close on Saturday night, with Centrals stamping their authority on the competition against Federals.
The 13-2 victory saw Centrals remain undefeated for the season in another dominant display.
As a result they advanced straight through to the grand final.
But on Saturday night the two sides had more on the line than just the final game of the season, contesting the Taylor Prohbert shield.
The shield match is played annually to honour two of the most respected names involved in history of either side.
It was always going to be a monumental challenge for Federals to try and take down the Goliath of the competition on a big night.
The match was played in good spirits in front of a big crowd.
Centrals were led by Dylan Chuck – who would be one of the favourites this year to collect his sixth league best and fairest – and Federals simply had no answer.
A solid opening innings saw Centrals lead 4-0, with Federals on the back foot.
A couple of errors in the dewy conditions, along with the consistent run tally, piled on the pressure and Centrals took advantage as the game played out. Centrals out hit Federals to four which is always cause for concern against the minor premiers.
Chuck was at his best, with two hits and a solid outing on the mound, to lead his side to a comfortable victory.
In the other match, Tigers took on South in what played out as a preliminary final preview match.
Tigers were with out pitching duo Karl Ransom and Alex Reppin, but it did not seem to matter, as they completed a white-wash of South to send an ominous warning of what to expect next week in the final.
Jake Powell was given the ball on the hill and managed a solid six innings to give Tigers the advantage both on the board and mentally.
Tigers walked away with a 13-1 win, as Matt Thompson again showed why his name will also be high in the medal count this year with another three-run game.
Powell picked up a couple hits, along with a solid pitching performance.
South coach Ryan Placcuci will need a game plan for next week if the Indians are to reach the big dance.
Results
Division 1: Tigers 13 d South 1. Tigers: M. Thompson 3, J. Foster, B. Marcus, J. Powell 2, K. Stratman, J. Mee, J. England 1; South – R. Parsons, J. Balshaw, T. Lockwood, R. Walter 1.
Centrals 13 d Federals 2. Centrals: N. Meinck, D. Chuck 2, K. McLean, A. Ridding, K. Chant, E. Chuck 1.
Division 2 – Elimination final: South 6 d Centrals 2.
Qualifying final: Tigers 7 d Millicent 2.
Division 3: Centrals 13 d Tigers 5.
Under 18: Federals 15 d Tigers 2.
Under 15: South 10 d Tigers 9.
Under 13: Tigers 10 d South 0.
Centrals 18 d Federals 0.
Under 13 Blue: Centrals 7 d Federals 5.
