The North Eastern Baseball Association (NEBA) had a successful weekend in Bendigo at the Baseball Victoria U14 State Winter Championships and All Girls Invitational, with two sides winning their division’s against the state’s budding baseballers, and the third mixed side coming runners-up. NEBA had a combined total of 40+ representatives in the red and blue with players, coaches, umpires and other officials proudly showcasing our league.

The U14s beat La Trobe Valley Baseball Association (LVBA) 13 – 6 in the Division 2 title at Maiden Gulley Recreation Reserve. The 13-person squad was selected from juniors from our five local clubs. The side won 3 out of 4 of the round robin games to secure their spot in the grand final against LVBA. The team put on an outstanding batting display in the final with Roman Ilievski, Ethan Simmons and Tom Snell picking up run-scoring hits, whilst Tom and Harlan Gambier dominated on the pitcher’s mound. A key highlight for this side is that six of them are still in the U12 age group, who will travel to Werribee to compete at the U12 State Winter Championships at the end of July.

The All Girls Invitational was divided into two age groups – 16 & Under and 13 & Under. The NEBA 16U side was the only association team to compete with players from their home league. All other sides were made up of girls from across the state. The 12 person squad went undefeated for the weekend, showing strong promise for the future of women’s baseball in our region. “Our girls were consistent with the bat, and their camaraderie was unmatched by any other side. When the going got tough they backed one another and got the job done” Coach Nathan Pool said of his team,  “our pitchers were a dominating force, with Sophie Berry and Paige Anders blowing past some of the state’s best hitters.”  Sophie Berry threw 7 strike outs against 13 batters for the weekend, an incredible effort from a bottom-aged pitcher.

There were 3 additional girls who played in the 13U Baseball Victoria Royals team, Tayla Wilson, Lillie Brockwell and Charlie Smedley, came second, losing by one in their grand final. The mixed side was a great opportunity for them to make new friends and learn from different coaches.

Each side is awarded a MVP based on votes from the opposition coach, with Roman Ilievski picking up the U14 MVP and Grace Castello crowned the All Girls side MVP.

NEBA will in turn host the U18 State Winter Championships in Wangaratta on 6 & 7 July at Targoora Park. With six sides competing for the coveted championship title, some of the State’s best junior baseball is sure to be on display. NEBA warmly welcomes all to join us to celebrate Baseball Victoria’s Youth.