Rd13 Rangers 9 defeated Marlins 8

The last match of 2011 saw the Forest Rangers come from behind to snatch a victory against the fancied Pittwater Marlins. In a match that had everything, the Rangers were able to steal a one run victory to move into outright 3rd. The match started with the Rangers batting first and scoring two runs over the plate. The Rangers started with Churchy pitching really well, with the fielding just as good and managed a double play to end the first dig without a run being scored. The second dig of the Rangers was not as good and were kept to nil. In the second dig of the Marlins, Churchy pitching well again, and although one run was scored, another double play ended their innings. So the Rangers were 2-1 up at the top of the third.

The third started with the Rangers scoring another two runs. The Marlins then got into their groove and hit just about everything. Churchy was pitching well, although starting to tire, but was kept on to finish the innings nonetheless. It was the fielding of the Rangers team that was the concern, with some basic errors creeping in and the Marlins took advantage of the gifts given to them. Seven runs were scored and the Rangers heads were down somewhat. So the score was 4-8 going into the top of the 4th.

So, it was the Rangers turn to make the Marlins work as they changed their pitching. There was a flurry of runs scored and the Rangers were looking dangerous with everyone hitting. They managed 5 over the plate to take a one run lead going into the bottom of the 4th. In came the Skippa to pitch and hopefully stem the runs seen in the 3rd innings by the Marlins. The change of pitching came up trumps for the Rangers as the Marlins were back in their dug out fairly quickly adding no runs to their score, leaving the score now at 9-8 to the Rangers. The fifth was a no hit innings for the Rangers and so it was up to the Marlins to score with time running out. The Skippa pitched well again and with the Rangers fielding back at their best, managed to close the game with no runs scored.

Some notable efforts were from Softhands who took a pearler on the fence next to third base. Might need some fence repairs after that one. A couple of double plays. Sherry's hitting and fielding. So a win to the Rangers 9-8.   

Div2 Standings after Rd11

Division II
		Team	Win%	Games	Wins	Losses	F/A	Runs For	Runs Against
		Redbacks	89%	9	8	1	+64	109	45
		Panthers	78%	9	7	2	+79	122	43
		Marlins	78%	9	7	2	+40	100	60
		Rangers	70%	10	7	3	+41	112	71
		Fugitives	50%	8	4	4	+1	61	60
		Phantoms	38%	8	3	5	+8	106	98
		Fighters	25%	8	2	6	-32	41	73
		Seasiders	22%	9	2	7	-1	61	62
		Red Bears	22%	9	2	7	-50	71	121
		Basebuds	11%	9	1	8	-101	44	145

Rd11 Rangers 18 defeated Basebuds 6

After the Rd10 wash-out, Rd11 was played and won by the Rangers who were back to their aggressive best. The game started with the Rangers again blooding some new pitching talent with "Kirk" taking to the mound, which he'd never been on before, to unleash the untapped power that we have seen in the outfield. With an MVP display that had the new-comer pitch the opening two innings and only give away four runs. As well as this, he hit magnificantly and was instrumental in the Rangers win this week.

The Rangers first up to bat started with a massive nine runs and really set up the match from that. Just about everybody hit and the feeling in the dug-out was fantastic. In the second innings, we scored another two runs to lead 11-4 at the half way mark. The Basebuds were changing pitchers like it was a speed dating contest, and the Rangers were only contemplating when to bring on their second pitcher. So in came the "Skip", who hadn't pitched much of late, but was eager to try out the new grips he'd been working on over the last month or so. In his best pitching effort to date, or so he thought, he managed to close the game and see only two runs scored over the plate by the end of the 4th inning.

The Rangers then topped off their improved batting performance with another seven runs in the final two innings. Some notable hits by "soft-hands, Kirk, the Rat, Tuckers & Churchy". One of the more outstanding plays of the match was the double play by "Blanky" at first base, who caught a fly ball and then managed to beat the runner on first back to the base. Other notable catchers were from "the rat & churchy" in the outfield. So a good effort all round by the Rangers who cement their place in the top 4 of Div 2.  

Rd9 Rangers 5 Lost to Redbacks 18

We got dusted! The Rangers this week were out played by the top team in the competition and were convincingly beaten 18-5. The match didn't start in great fashion with the Rangers first 3 batters sat down fairly quickly. Then the onslaught began with the Redbacks pounding 12 runs in their first dig. Their hits were like scud missiles, not going to any of our targets and landing in open spaces. "Soft Hands" who opened the pitching, was on target and did his job, but the batters just kept on hitting and we had no answers. "Nath" came on and managed to stem the runs somewhat, and we were able to get back to the safe haven of the dug out. We batted well in the second dig and scored three runs over the plate, lifting our heads after a promising comeback. The Redbacks were sitting down pretty quickly in their second up to bat as "Nath" found his range and halted their scoring momentum. In turn, the man we call "Kirk" starred with some awsome outfield catching and was deservedly MVP. He's now learnt that after catching a ball in the outfield it's not the end of the play. You can jump up and celebrate all you like after taking the catch, but sometimes there are still runners on the diamond and "Kirk's" celebrations were put on hold until he got the ball back into the middle, but who could take that smile off his face.

The third dig was quick with only one run scored by the Rangers. A great outfield hit by "Blanky" was a highlight. Unfortunately, those holes opened up again and the Redbacks scored 6 over the plate to put the game beyond the reach of the hapless Rangers. There were some woodchuck moments with "Eka" again providing a highlight with a possible double play. When throwing to first, hesitated and threw off target, which is very unlike the Yoda that he is. "Barnie" was again solid behind the catchers mask and his throwing to second and stops were spot on. "Blanky" was solid on first and had to contend with some wayward thowing at times. "Ashley" took a great catch at right field in the third. "Nath's" pitching was solid against a good hitting team. "Molch" who caught in the last dig was solid and gave "Barnie" a well earned break in the searing heat. "Churchy" was his usual talkative self, trying to guide and encourage from all over the park. His pitching to end the game was solid also. "The Rat" was hidden away at Left Field for most of the match and copped a lot of the longer hits over his head, and had some running and longer throws. All i can say is.........bring on next week!

Rd8 Rangers 12 defeated the Red Bears 11

Rd8 saw the Rangers win ugly against the lowly placed Nth Sdney Red Bears, without the Rangers main strike weapon in "Nath". The Rangers opened up with a virgin pitcher in "Pete". The left armer was thrown the ball for the very first time and although the radar was a challenge, he did remarkably well. There were 5 runs scored by the Red Bears who managed to find a few gaps and stole well around the bases. The first dig for the Rangers started poorly with "Soft Hands & The Rat" getting out cheaply. In stepped the "Skippa" who managed to stall the outs and get a base hit run, which started the come back. The Rangers also managed 5 runs in their first dig. The second dig saw the Rangers bring on the seasoned "Churchy", who stemmed the runs somewhat, but was lucky to stay on the diamond with his continual querying to the umpire as to where his ball passed the plate. You can tell the expecatations from the "Church" were high. The second dig saw the Red Bears out score the Rangers 2-1, but the third dig saw the same but reverse score.

So all even going into the fourth and last dig. "Churchy" was fading, but hanging tough trying not to rub the patch on his thigh which was sticking to his pants. The Red Bears scored well and ran in 3 runs to take a commanding position. Then the turning point. The Red Bears decided to change their starting pitcher, and the Rangers ran in 3 quick runs, tying the match. The Red Bears then decided to change pitchers again, but that didn't help with the fourth run scored quickly after that. A win is a win, but by gees it was ugly.

There weren't many highlights, more wood-chucks. "Ashley's" unforced run to third from second and getting out. "Skippa's" brain explosion from second when he should have tagged up. It lead to a triple play with the batter caught and runners on second and third run out. Who could forget the under-arm throw from "Eka" at SS to "Molch on 2B. It's not easy to tag out when the throw is about 3 feet over the head of our 5' 9" foot second baseman. The Improvement award goes to our catcher in "Barnie" who continues to improve and has even got his throws to second at the required distance instead of just over the pitchers head.

Division II
		Team	Win%	Games	Wins	Losses	F/A	Runs For	Runs Against
		Redbacks	86%	7	6	1	+45	83	38
		Rangers	75%	8	6	2	+42	89	47
		Panthers	71%	7	5	2	+64	97	33
		Marlins	71%	7	5	2	+29	74	45
		Fugitives	67%	6	4	2	+13	52	39
		Phantoms	33%	6	2	4	-15	62	77
		Seasiders	29%	7	2	5	+7	45	38
		Fighters	17%	6	1	5	-42	24	66
		Red Bears	14%	7	1	6	-43	53	96
		Basebuds	14%	7	1	6	-56	37	93