It proved to be a nail biter of a game, but the Liverpool Bantam Privateers have won the “R” Division title for 2010.
"This was a beautiful end to an almost flawless year as we saw the team also win two other tournaments and the districts," says Privateer Coach Barry Whalen. "We couldn't of asked for anymore".
The tournament started out a little shaky for the team, with a 15-8 loss to the L.W.F. Warrior bantams from Wellington on Aug. 20. Games for the next day were rained out, but the Privateers returned in full force on Sunday, sweeping all three of their games.
The team first beat Hammond Plains (Tantallon) 13-5, then Dominion (Cape Breton) 15-5 and then the host team Port Hawkesbury 13-3.
The final championship game was postponed, since only three games can be played in one day.
The final game was played on Aug. 28, in a rematch against the L.W.F. Warriors
“It was a very exciting game ,which was played very well by both teams,” said Whalen.
Starting pitcher Ryan Foster managed to hold back the Warriors for the first three innings, and Liverpool led 3-0. The Warriors steadily chipped away at the lead from the fourth through seventh innings, with a run in each.
Liverpool kept the team at bay though for the final two, with middle pitcher Mathew Oickle and closer Ty Whalen holding the Warriors back. Liverpool took the game 5-4.
"It's been seven long years for my assistant coach, Kevin Huskins, and I coaching, trying to win the gold for our home town and we finally pulled it off," said Whalen. “We had tremendous support from parents and local fans who made the trip to Bridgewater to see the game.
“Our team played exceptionally well all year and are very deserving of the provincials championship.”
