North Eastern Baseball Association

2023 Season Recap

2023 Season Recap

31st January, 2024

North Eastern Baseball Association had 129 seniors and 121 juniors with 203 total male and 47
female participants across five clubs: North Albury Bears, Wangaratta Rangers, Benalla Bandits,
Porepunkah Panthers, and Wodonga Warriors.


NEBA established a C Grade competition which was designed to bridge the gap between U15s
and seniors for our U18 cohort of players. The C Grade also provided a place for beginners to
kick start their baseball journey. The C Grade introduction resulted in four additional sides to
our competition. We also welcomed back the Benalla Bandits U15 side who did not have enough
numbers in 2022. Congratulations to the Benalla Bandits for re-entering this side.


One key highlight of NEBA’s 2023 season was the inaugural All-Girls team at the All-Girls Winter
Invitational. NEBA was the only association to enter a full team into the competition – it was a
fantastic opportunity for our girls to showcase their skills. Additionally, NEBA entered a U12s side
for the first time at the State Winter Championships. We weren’t sure how our tiny team would
go based on coach pitch rules played in our local competition, but the youngsters rose to the
challenge and did the league proud.


NEBA also entered sides in the U14, U16, U18 and Senior State Winter Championships.
Additionally, we were set to host the U18 SWC at our Wangaratta facility, however due to weather
the weekend was cancelled.

Our League Premiers were:
A grade: Bears defeated Rangers 16 - 4; MVP – Mark Taylor (Bears)
B grade: Wangaratta Rangers Orange defeated Rangers Grey 7 - 6; MVP – Sam Grigg (Orange)
C Grade: Porepunkah Panthers defeated Wodonga Warriors 10-9; MVP – Luca Barthelmes
(Porepunkah)
U15’s: Wodonga Warriors defeated Wangaratta Rangers 3 - 2; MVP – Asish Basnet (Warriors)
U12’s: Bears defeated Porepunkah 17 - 7; MVP – Flynn Vines (Bears)

To re-watch the A, B & C grand final livestreams visit: https://allinsports.com.au/baseball