In a dazzling display, Research-Doncaster clinched the Under 17 Division 1 title last Saturday, defeating the North Balwyn Stingers 13-1.
Despite playing through challenging, damp conditions, the Research-Doncaster hitters
Put on a strong performance.
Winning coach AJ Baillargeon said he was incredibly proud of the way his team collectively came together for the finals.
“The goal all year was to get here – although I think what was more important is just to see how all the kids bonded and played to their potential,” he said.
“To see the bond we have – a lot of these kids have played for a long time and to just to see them become tighter and tighter and to celebrate something like this is fantastic for everyone.”
Although Research-Doncaster finished the regular season in third place, Baillargeon remained confident in their ability to shine in the finals.
Baillargeon said the best three games they played this year was in the very last three games, with the whole season centered around improving as a team and giving players opportunities in different positions.
“It just got better and better and I felt we played to our capability,” he said.
The Research batting performance was impressive all game, with the bottom of the order particularly efficient in piercing the North Balwyn field.
“Love the way they [the bottom of the order] came to the plate and did their jobs. If you look at the score, they either drove in or scored most of the time they came up to bat,” said Baillargeon.
The Research-Doncaster fielding performance was also stellar in keeping the stingers to just 1 run.
“Our pitchers did such a great job today,” he said.
“I don’t think we made any errors, which is all you can ask for as a coach.”
Congratulations to AJ Baillargeon and the entire Research-Doncaster team!
