WANDERERS led from start to finish to claim a hard-fought under-13 premiership against their Eagles opponents.
Led by player of the match Cooper Bell, Wanderers saw off a strong challenge from Eagles to claim their sixth successive junior flag.
Wanderers starting pitcher Beni Hayes shut Eagles down in the first innings.
Bell then doubled to lead off Wanderers’ innings and came around to score the opening run.
Hayes continued his good work on the mound, allowing Eagles just one run and striking out five over the first two digs.
Wanderers opened up a match-winning lead in their second turn at bat, adding five runs as Declan Griffiths, Jai Arnold and Bell all hit safely.
Eagles rallied in the third inning as Alex Tregeagle hit well and they scored three runs off new pitcher Bell.
Eagles changed pitcher and Nate Williams shut Wanderers down, with the score at 6-4 after three innings.
Bell rebounded with the ball in the fourth dig and sat Eagles down with three strikeouts.
Wanderers then stretched their lead to five runs as they scored three runs off Williams, highlighted by Bell’s second double of the game.
Eagles were now down to their last chance. They scored three runs off Wanderers’ new pitcher Cohen Woodhouse and had the tying runs on base, but Woodhouse maintained his composure to strike out the side and secure the thrilling 9-7 win.
WANDERERS 1 0 5 0 3 – 9
EAGLES 0 1 3 0 3 – 7
SAFE HITS: Wanderers: Cooper Bell 3, Declan Griffiths, Jai Arnold 1. Eagles: Alex Tregeagle 2.
Player of the match: Cooper Bell (Wanderers).
