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!