by Wedgie » Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:19 am
Indians, but only just
By NATHAN DAVISON
THE Goodwood Indians prevailed in a less-than-convincing manner defeating finals aspirant Woodville 5-4.
Indians coach Justin Clarke was less than happy with his charges' performance and will look for some improvement in the run home.
Simon Galpin was given the ball for the Indians and did a good job to be relieved by Darren Fidge.
Goodwood led all day but a late charge by the Senators gave them a chance to go ahead in the last inning.
Nick Talbot, returning from Claxton Shield duties was the standout offensive player for the day collecting three hits for the Indians.
Goodwood will be looking to sharpen up their game leading into next weekend's blockbuster with top-of-the-table Glenelg.
East Torrens kept their slim final hopes alive with a tight 10-6 victory over an again-unlucky Golden Grove outfit.
Scores were tied at six going into the sixth inning but some power hitting from coach Craig Watts and veteran Bubba Dienelt surged the Redsox to a four-run lead which the Redsox were able to hold.
Bodie Williams pitched well for the Sox and will be looking to keep up that good form in the absence of their injured import pitcher.
Watts was in the action all day connecting for two home runs on the day in a timely return to form.
Golden Grove continue to be around the mark and was led offensively by recently returned Claxton Shield rookie Jeremy Cresswell who collected four hits to lead his team.
Brandon Diplock pitched well for the Dodgers but had no relief and tired late to allow the Redsox to take the points.
East Torrens will need to keep winning to keep any sniff of a finals berth alive.
The tide might have finally turned for West Torrens.
The Eagles triumphed 3-2 in eleven innings against a more fancied Kensington.
It was an important win for the Eagles against an opponent above them on the ladder and will give coach Andrew Scott some much needed confidence in his game plan and team.
Steve O'Connor was the star for the Eagles from the mound going nine innings against the power-packed Kensington line-up.
He was relieved by youngster Steven Rex who held the Cardinal hitters at bay and allow talented rookie Tom Fiebig to hit in the game-winner in the eleventh.
It was Scott himself and Sam Tibbits who led the way offensively for the Eagles, collecting two hits each.
Ben Onofrio and Damian Norsworthy were the best of the hitters for Kensington.
Nick Stiefenberger pitched all day for the Cards in another strong outing.
Port Adelaide continued its rise with a resounding 7-0 victory over finals-bound Southern Districts.
Port was dominant, led by Cliff Foster, who gave up only three hits in the complete game shutout victory.
The Magpies are now firmly focused on a top two finish and a challenge at the title.
Coach Mark Greutner returned to form with two hits and was well supported by Jaron Van Dyke, Ben Foreman and Nat Anderson.
South sent Claxton Shield rookie pitcher Adam Widdison to the hill but he was done in the fourth and that was all for the Hawks.
South collected only three hits against the dominant Foster in what must a huge concern for coach Paul Green.
An improvement in offensive production will be required by the Hawks if they are to challenge for this year's flag and not just fill in the numbers.
Sturt collected its eight win of the year in thumping Northern Districts 16-5.
Still with a mathematical chance of making it, the Saints will be buoyed by some good performances by some of the youngsters that coach Gary Rice has promoted and given a chance at the top level.
On a positive side for the Northerners, they have managed to score a handful of runs a couple of games in a row and are showing some signs of improvement in a long and arduous season.
Glenelg kept up its winning ways with an energetic 9-1 victory over arch-rival Adelaide.
Adelaide, still with a mathematical chance of making the finals sent coach Ryan Simmunson to the mound to face off against Glenelg starter Tristan Stevens.
The Angels started well, posting a run in the top of the first, only to have that cancelled out by a Dale Ziersch home run minutes later.
Glenelg followed that up with some timely hitting to post another and have six runs by the third inning.
The Tigers did not let up and went on to collect eighteen hits for the match in a timely return to form.
Ben Hilterbrand led the way, collecting four hits, and was well supported by Ben Dixon and Ziersch posting three hits each.
Glenelg again showed off its pitching depth using Stevens, Ziersch and Page to round out the nine innings and keep them fresh for a busy week with games against North and then Goodwood.
Armchair expert wrote:Such a great club are Geelong