THE Redlands Rays U16 Senior League Division 1 baseball team finished on a high on Saturday by taking out the Grand Final against Coomera Cubs 2-0. After a shortened regular GBL season, the Rays scraped into the final series by two percentage points and soundly defeated Surfers Paradise 7-1 in the Semi Finals to earn their place in the final.
Whilst playing the underdog for games against minor premiers Surfers Paradise and Coomera Cubs, the Rays were also left short in playing stocks with two of their regular state representative players being unavailable for the final games.
Coach Brad Hamson was pleased with how the players responded to adversity stating, "Even though we were down on troops in the key positions of catcher and short stop, all players stepped up another level especially in positions they are not used to and were able to make the plays when required."
Hamson praised the mental toughness of the group to be able to adapt and conquer everything thrown at them. "I knew we had the pitchers to match the other teams with Byron Humble and Deegan Powell operating on the mound but we had to get the edge by playing as a team and being mentally prepared for every single pitch. It's the one-percenters and defence that wins the big games" said Hamson.
The win was the only victory for the Redland Rays Club for this season but the club is hopeful that teams above and below the 16’s age category are developing well to gain further success next year.
For more information on the Redlands Ray Baseball Club you can email rave@redlandsrays.com.au or visit them online at redlandsrays.com.au/home/ or on Facebook at facebook.com/RedlandsRays/
Caption: Redlands Rays Senior League Bandits team proudly displays their trophy after their Grand Final win on Saturday
