Cougars pitch up summer fun

By Russell Bennett
THE BERWICK City Cougars walked away heartbroken from their Round 23 match-up with St Kilda last Saturday.
But a visit from Melbourne Victory star, Carlos Hernandez, this weekend is sure to pick them back up.
Saturday’s game could only be described as the one that got away, as Berwick held a 6-4 lead in the ninth inning before losing in a nail-biting finish, seven runs to six.
Cougars first team coach Wayne Porter said his side would not have been in the position to lose the match if it had converted more of its base-hits.
“We had the bases loaded three times in a row at one stage, and we still left 15 hitters on base,” Mr Porter said.
“We just couldn’t capitalise when it mattered.”
Star Cougars import Josh Leite had a day he’d rather forget, giving up three runs at the death, and striking out at bat.
Porter said: “Josh likes to win, so it would have hurt him.
“But it’s water off a duck’s back now.
“He can’t get too down about it, he’ll start our next game.”
Porter, himself, starred earlier in the game when he hit a massive homer over the left-field fence with a brand-spanking new bat.
Youngsters Nick Veale, Matt Chilcott and David ‘Turtle’ Mulhall also impressed. Veale took a lion’s share of the pitching workload, throwing for seven innings and striking out nine St Kilda batters. Chilcott came on in the eighth inning, striking out two of four hitters.
Mulhall’s memorable performance included a clutch ninth hitting hit. With runners on both second and third bases, he scored a valuable double but his side could not hold on.
Porter was thrilled with his side’s intent and willingness to compete, and emphasised the importance of regrouping quickly from the tough loss.
“We’ve been down on numbers lately for a number of reasons and we’ve looked a little bit like a ship without a rudder,” he said.
“We’ve been looking for a little bit of meaning so our game against Springvale (this Saturday, 28 January) is massive.
“Hopefully we can turn things around.”
The Cougars’ battle with Springvale will coincide with Ladies Day at Cyril Molyneux Reserve.
From 1.30-6pm, ladies can dress up in their best spring racing-style attire and enjoy an afternoon’s entertainment for just $35. Proceeds will go back into the club, with a portion also heading to cancer charities. Melbourne Victory players, including Carlos Hernandez, will be there to throw out the first pitch and take in the summer fun. For more information, call club treasurer Robyn Surtees on 0408 399 670.