Facing off against multiple winner and perennial finalist Blackburn, the Baycats finished fourth after the regular season – in their first year in Division One – before narrowly defeating Springvale in the Semi-Final and finishing off with a 6-3 result in the Grand Final.

 

The Baycats gained an early break before Blackburn drew to within a run but were unable to bridge the gap as Geelong plated two in the fifth for a handy 5-2 lead.

 

Lyndon Hockey and Shane Comben led the offence for Geelong, who played some silky defence to go errorless throughout the finals series.

 

Despite their many years of Masters involvement - and regular success - the Blackburn boys found it tough going against Geelong Manager Danny Timmers, who controlled the game from the hill before handing the ball to David Badger Morrissey.

 

 Baycats Masters

 

 

In Division Two East, Melbourne (below) got up 8-6 over Sandringham in a spirited contest that could have gone either way without surprising. The Royals had a late chance with bags loaded and one out before a double play (outfield flyball to a tag play at the plate) quelled the challenge.

 

 Image: Ian Mosley

 

Berwick has taken the Division Two South title with a hard-fought 10-8 result over Mornington in what was reportedly an exciting game that presented Masters in a very favourable light. Perhaps fortunate to make the Grand Final (after Bonbeach was ruled ineligible), the Cougars – now otherwise known as the “Berwick Bradburys” - took full advantage of their opportunity.

 

 Berwick Masters

 

And speaking of opportunities, give those Preston/Reservoir Buccaneer boys a sniff and they’ll take you to the cleaners! Well, that was the story in last night’s Division Two North-West Grand Final, where Fitzroy took an 8-3 lead into the last innings and looked home for all money.

 

A defensive error – with two out – was enough to spark the Buccaneers to a looting and pillaging spree that yielded ten runs and set up the final 13-8 result.

 

 

 

 

Note: Team or individual shots from any of the games can be forwarded to movfin@excite.com for posting.

 

 Buccaneers Masters