Cougars lose pitcher power

By Marc McGowan
JUDE Power is shattered he won’t be part of the Berwick City Cougars’ climb up the State League ranks over the next few years.
But his team-mates are going to miss their star pitcher, who is moving interstate for his navy commitments, even more.
Power, 25, threw 82 innings this season – almost double that of the next-most-used pitcher, Martin Kennedy – and was instrumental in the Cougars making their first finals appearance in Division Three.
“With last year’s results, I wasn’t expecting to do quite so well,” he said.
“The same bunch of guys came through, but grew up another year. They’ve shown what they’re going to do over the next few years.
“I just hope the guys can push onto Division Two next year. I’m really disappointed I can’t stay.”
Power was the club champion in 2007/08 and finished equal third behind playing coach Wayne Porter and up-and-coming pitcher Matthew Kennedy this year.
He made the two-hour trip from Sale to Berwick and back each weekend.
The hard-throwing right-hander’s determination was best reflected in Berwick City’s epic 7-6 10-inning victory over Preston in round four.
Power threw an incredible 202 pitches in a magnificent complete-game performance.
“I could always throw a lot of pitches – even as a young kid. It was just one of the things I could do,” he said.
“It takes a few days to recover, as I’ve gotten older, but four or five years ago I could throw 100 pitches and then do the same thing the next day.”
Power has huge confidence in the Cougars’ young pitching brigade, naming Matthew Kennedy, Martin Kennedy, Andrew Hemmes, James Jackson and Adam Silva as bright prospects.
He also pointed to batting dynamos Silva, Jake McLardy and Sam Beasley as further proof of the talent at Cyril Molyneux Reserve.
But one of Power’s biggest regrets is leaving good mate and veteran catcher Ian Frost behind.
“Frosty and I are quite close. Originally, he’s from the (Latrobe) Valley as well,” he said.
“He knows my parents and the last few years pitching to him, I’ve probably had more of a physical impact on him than he would have liked.
“But we’ve gotten quite close and had a real ball. He’s going to remain a good friend of mine.”