A Grade: Semi Final vs Eastern Raiders
Round
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falcons (away) | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | - | - | - | 9 | 7 | 0 |
| (home) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 6 | 2 |
Falcons advance to Grand Final.
On a day when the weather seemed set to continue to ruin the day as it had for most of the earlier games, Falcons and Raiders faced off once again in an important game.
The 1st Semi Final provides the opportunity to go straight in to the Grand Final, leaving the remaining teams with the task of battling again on Sunday to get to the GF. This is not a preferred option with 30th Birthday parties on Saturday night (Happy Birthday, Shelley) presenting the risk of not being "perfectly sharp" the next day, and plenty of other things to do when the VERY fast cars are in Melbourne, on the Sunday.
As it turns out, Falcons managed to overcome the weather, distractions of unsettled outcomes from earlier games and the Raiders 9-1 to go straight in to the GF.
Not surprisingly, Raiders chose not to start their #1 starter and Falcons made the commitment to score as many runs as possible during the game. The hitting was patient and consistent, evidenced by the 4 walks picked during the game. Leading the way again was Ilsa (2 hits including a double in the first innings, 1 RBI and scoring once) and Amy (2 hits including a triple and scoring twice). Hutchy continued her dangerous form with a double, 2 RBI's and scoring twice), Sarah Logan delivered with the bat (1 hit, 1 RBI and scoring once) and AJ stepped up with a "pinch-hit" single to also pick up an RBI. Kellie again showed her efficiency in the batters box by calmly hitting the ball to the right side (2nd base) to score a run late in the game.
Defensively, Falcons continued to be perfect with no errors. Ilsa pitched 6 innings, allowing 2 hits and Sharni calmly set down the Raiders hitters in the 7th to close out the game. Good choices were made all day to get lead runners or simply take the routine out at 1st.
Without doubt, the play of the day was an amazing diving catch on the grass by Chloe Fagan with two out and bases loaded to end a threatening innings by Raiders. This is not the first time Chloe has made an out like this, and the endeavour and effort to make this play indicates the drive and desire Falcons have to win, at all costs. Great play, Chloe! Echoes of Bruce McAveney, as the catch were described as "Sssssppeeeeciaalllllll"!
We have a two week break now before the GF. One more to go, ladies, so let's stay sharp for the final!
