By Hayley Wildes
The Berwick City Cougars are on the verge of creating history.
Before last week, the Cougars had never won a Victorian Summer Baseball League Division Two premiership – and this week they have the chance to clinch their second in as many weeks.
After their Division Two seconds clinched the premiership on Sunday, the Division Two firsts have the chance to do the same this week.
Coach Dan Betreen talked about the Division Two seconds’ finals run, which included a come from behind win against Preston the week prior to the premiership-clinching game against Williamstown.
“We were behind near the end [against Preston], but our ‘we never quit’ attitude and our ‘Claws Out’ motto was definitely out and about and we were able to beat Preston at Preston in a really gutsy, tight game.” Betreen said.
The Williamstown game saw the Cougars surrender the lead late, before a final innings masterclass yielded six runs and the premiership.
“To end up winning the game 11-7 in the last innings – putting together that kind of effort over nine innings of baseball was just amazing from the whole squad.” Betreen said.
Now the firsts have the chance to create some history of their own after clinching the first round series against the Springvale Lions on Saturday.
“To really go out there and earn that win with an 8-4 win over Springvale, it was a really cool moment to finally put Springvale away late in the game and book that spot in the big dance.” Betreen said.
Taking on the Preston Pirates in a best-of-three VSBL Division 2 premiership series won’t be easy. The two teams have been impossible to split all season.
“The Preston Pirates, they’re a real good ball club.” Betreen said. “We’ve had three encounters with them and our last encounter was a nil-all draw.”
Having never played in Division Two Finals before this season, let alone battle it out for a premiership, the success of the 2017/18 season has been a culmination of hard work from a lot of people.
“Over the last three years there has been really big foundation setting, stripping back the club and getting the environment right for the players.” Betreen said. “Giving them a chance to enjoy baseball, learn baseball and really believe in Berwick Baseball.”
“Most of our guys are aged between 16 and 28, so we’re still a very young club – the atmosphere and camaraderie is great and we have a lot of fun.”
What would it mean to Berwick Baseball to win two premiership in two weekends?
“It would be amazing.” Betreen said.
“The club feel at the moment is infectious, it’s contagious. It’s an amazing feeling to be on top at the moment and if we’re able to win the premiership as well, it’s just going to be a really incredible end to a long and exhausting but really enjoyable season.”
Berwick City will take on Preston in a best-of-three series which kicks off Wednesday night at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona Meadows. Game Two is on Saturday and if necessary, Game Three will be played on Sunday – both at Melbourne Ballpark.
