Welcome to the Ram Dome ~ Home of the Newport Rams Baseball & Cricket Club

Newport-Doncaster got off to a good start but then later had to fight back hard to maintain control of the game. Great triple by Jordan, double to Griffin. Good fielding by the team - no errors. Good relief pitching by Jordan. Hits Jordan 2, Griffin 2 hits - 1 RBI others RBI 's to Michael, Taylor, Josh (2)

Both the Demons and the Rams fielded teams with solid defences however strong hitting from each side eventually prevailed

with the score being tied up after three innings at 6 all.

Going into the fourth dig Melbourne pulled ahead by two runs with timely hits and an error in the field to the Rams. Again in

the fifth innings the Demons scored another two finishing the dig four runs ahead at (12-8).

Our Rammers entered the sixth and final innings four runs light . Then Darby dug deep to hit safely and got on base.

Next up , Bolts Bolton hit a clean double to bring Darby home. From this the Rammers produced a rally that plated

three more runs.Windscreen Edwards again hit along with Luke Murdoch.So the Rams managed to tie it up at 12 runs

a piece with the Dees having one remaining innings at bat.Melbourne were still threatening to take the game at the final post,

even with one batter out.However Jamie 'Big Leaguer'Young executed a double play to secure a draw for Newport.

Highlights in this game were multiple doubles to James Lewer with one just missing 'going over'.The defensive work of

Jamie Young and again a solid effort from the 'hurlers', Angus and James, (8 strike outs).Archie Manton safely hitting after coming off the pine

in his third game continues to show great improvement.The clear highlight of the day was that our young Rammers never gave up.

* What The Coaches said.........

Combo and Big Al congratulated the boys in gaining a hard fought draw after coming from behind on the scoreboard.They emphasised

the importance of ' never giving up in a game of baseball and that this game was an example of what can happen if you don't.

Next the Rams journey out to Berwick in what will be a real test. (Thanks to the scorers)

Good pitching by Jordan and well received by Hugh. Taylor had a good hit which resulted i 3 runs. Leigh had a good double jogging to second base. Good fielding by Newport - no errors. Sac fly by Jordan resulting in 1 run. Josh & Adam took 2 flys with the later resulting in a double play to end the game. Hits were Griffin (2), Josh, Leigh, Taylor, Hugh and Harley (1). RBI's Taylor (3), Leigh, Hugh and Jordan (1)

Today our young Rams had a full roster to chose from and were on track from the 1st innings with James Lewer starting and doing the job for the team on the mound hitting the strike zone regularly. Our Bats continued on from last week and did well mainly through great pitch selection and having the ability to play to coaches Combo & Al Condies instructions. The Rams offered 3 hits for the match in a tight game of baseball with a timely RBI in the mix. With a hot northerly wind present, the outfield consisting of Luke, Oscar and Lachie stood firm and took some lofty fly balls to keep an ever determined Waverley at bay. Come the 4th dig and with the Rams a few runs up on the wildcats, Trent "bolts" Bolton pulled off an instinctive and crucial double play to again hold the opposition. Entering the last few innings, James was retired (pitch count) and replaced by Angus Edwards on the mound who teamed up with Darby behind the dish. Waverley though were now gaining some traction on the scoreboard but were eventually shut out by an entire Rams team effort with time and game called in what Waverley coach John Deeble said "was a great game of baseball". Combo & Al expressed to the boys that they were very happy with an entire team effort in what was a tight contest and that the team was playing heads up baseball. They commented that the boys now have a platform to build on for the games ahead.

U12 v Chelthenham (State Comp) (Match Report by Rick Sexton)
Our under 12s played their 2nd round game at Cheltenham. This week coaches Shane 'Combo' Comben and 'Big' Al Condie had to dig deep having a depleted roster with Angus ‘Windscreen' Edwards, and Ayden'Lifesaver'Norman not available.

Our young Rams started with a walk to lead off Darby'Mr Business' Sexton. After stealing 2nd he was quickly home. With the bases being immediatelyloaded by walks and singles to all.The Rammers had a big 1st dig with Jamie 'Big Leaguer' Young ,Tyler'Boof'Comben,Trent'Bolts'Bolton and the entire line up all having an 'at bat'. James 'Mr Intensity' Lewer started on the hill and again held the opposition at bay with only a 'couple' given up.The game progressed with the Rammers dictating the terms all day with solid defense.Luke 'Big Red' Murdoch made some fine plays at 3rd. The bats also were swinging with the entire team hitting or gaining walks through gutsy pitch selection.This being said the Rams twice finished innings with the bases loaded.

Eventually 'Mr Intensity' was retired (Pitch Count) and 'Big Leaguer', took to the hill where he did a great job.Going into the last dig about 4 up the Rams were duely pegged back by a determined Cheltenham . To Cheltenhams credit they took advantage of some fortutious 'passed balls', to gain a draw.

Special mention goes to new recruit Oscar' Ossie' Manton who in his first game of U12s State picked up two hefty' sand wedges'.The Rams go into next week set to win, with 'Windscreens' being available.

As the Coach Said: ' Baseball aint over till its over. Learn from todays game and feel good about yourselves because you all played well. And - you all had fun.

To all our Rams members , it is fantastic to watch the developement of this team over the last 3/4 years.

As the Coach Said: ' Baseball aint over till its over. Learn from todays game and feel good about yourselves because you all played well. And - you all had fun.

To all our Rams members , it is fantastic to watch the developement of this team over the last 3/4 years.

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The boys go down in a close one to Essendon

A great young bunch of keen juniors have come together to make up the U14 RAMS in the METRO comp. Sam is new at coaching but getting to know the players well and what they can do, as well as gaining his own confidence.

With the RAMS starting short on players Sam and the Essendon Coach were able to work out a couple of subs from Essendon as the most important thing in junior sport prevailed, let the kids play. The pitching duties was shared between Josh, Jack and Kyle who all did a good job in what is a learning curve for all three with none of them having done it before. Jonesy worked hard behind the plate and did a good job defensively as well as with the bat as he smashed two stand up doubles. Jack who has a cricket background played a great game and has a great arm as well as a good eye resulting in 3 hits for the game, he is surely going to one to watch as he progresses through the age groups. Kyle is another who played well hitting a double and also pitched well when given the chance.

Caleb played 1st base and for someone who has been happy to just come down to training and watch TV while his brother Harley went about playing has surprised a few, and most importantly himself. He hit well and took some great grabs at 1st.

Considering the shortage of players and many of them being rookies it was a great result and showed the character of this team which is only going to grow along with Sam's experience as the season continues.

Lachie Condie did a great job behind the dish Always great to see plenty of supporters for our young RAMS

It was an overcast cool Friday evening at the RAM-DOME for the first of the Friday night U12 game of the season. The only way the enthusiasm of the kids from both Sunshine and Newport could be measured would be on the RICHTER SCALE. It is quite humbling and a total reality check when a group of kids come together to play any sport and the biggest thing on their minds is "how much fun is this going to be", it is quite infectious and the large group of parents and supporters who braved to Newport weather certainly enjoyed the fun the kids were having.

Peter Kuschert was given pitching duties for the RAMS to start the game throwing to Lachie Condie was playing his first game behind the dish, and what a game he had, the Australian Cricket Team slips members would be proud of many of the diving catches Lachie made during the game, as can be seen in the pic above.

It was such a fun game to watch and no doubt twice as much fun to be part of it is hard to single out to many individual performances. Lachie continued to show that unlike his father he is also going to be a great hitter in the game with two stand up doubles (Sorry AL) Pup Walshe came in to relieve Peter in Pups first outing in the middle, using three different pitching actions (the result of watching to much baseball on TV I would suggest) however once he settled on one he threw well, even forgetting to use his glove on a hard hit ground ball, instead using his bare hand to knock it down before making the out at 1st. All seemed fine until he came off a little quiet before saying "Dad my hand really hurts." The sheer innocence of these keen bunch of kids is inspiring.

A number of new young RAMS (my apologies for knowing all your names yet) all played well and there was plenty of good hitting and as only her can do 'Combo' had them all singing from the same page. Glenn Letts (a former RAM) coaching Sunshine was having just as much fun and has a very similar style to Combo, let the kids play and make it fun.

The Eagles took the honors on this occasion but I would be quite sure most of the players had no idea of the score, or were that worried about it. As the bases and other equipment was being cleared away a Sunshine player asked Glen if they had won, Glen's reply was a question to the player saying: "Did you have fun" and the reply was "Absolutely", Glenn explained well that is all that matters.

I look forward to my weekly dose of U12 baseball on a Friday night, as it is a great way to put the working week behind and start the weekend with a smile on your face. Pass it on and get down and support the kids, you will have as much fun as they do.

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U18's def Preston 14-2 (State Comp) (Report by Jordan Young)
The U18's suited up for the start of their season and it was a good start for the Newport/Doncaster combined under 18 team, defeating Preston 14-2 at Preston on the weekend. Everyone from both teams got along with each other and gelled as a unit really well. It was an all round good performance in the batting box by everyone with some good individual performances by Taylor McKay and Leigh Bertrand each getting two hits. There were also some good pitching efforts by Jordan Young and Hugh Reed, keeping Preston to only two runs and a couple of hits.

Always good to start the season the season with a win, so confidence and team feeling is good and as we all get to know each other on and off the field more, it can only be a positive that will hopefully lead to a successful season.

U14's def by Werribee 25-4 (Metro Comp) (Report by Sam Aldenhoven)
The U14 Metros got together for practically the first time not really knowing each other and not having trained together previously. Not much could be said about this game with a fresh team and my first time round as a junior coach as well as a few players that had not played baseball before or had not played for a pro longed period of time. Despite the fact we were defeated in our first game, by no means should this discourage a group of very keen and able baseballers. There were some displays of great talent and potential shown through-out the game and with a little hard work this team will have a very successful year. Congratulations to Taylor who started the game pitching and hit a huge home run half way between the senior and U14 home run fence and also a nice 2 bagger to Josh Walshe.

As I said now that we have come together as a team and I get to know everyone, what they can do and what they would like to achieve, as well as the players getting to know me and I learn both from them as well as with experience, it will all culminate in what I am sure will be an enjoyable and successful season for all. I am very much looking forward to the season ahead and watching the team develop.

While the rain & hail were falling out West the U12 RAMS made the journey to Cheltenham for a 3 game tournament a week before the season proper gets under way.

The boys that made up the team coached by Combo, Al Condie and John Lewer were:
Darby "Mr Business" Sexton - Angus "Windscreen" Edwards - Jamie "Big Leaguer" Young - James "Mr Intensity" Lewer - Tyler "Boof" Comben - Lachlan "Little Al" Condie - Peter "Big Plasma" Kuschert - Ayden "Life Saver" Norman - James "Pup" Walshe - Bryce "Dark" Knight"- Trent "Bolts" Bolton.

It was a picture to make the mouth water for any baseball lover, about 15 teams spread over more than half a dozen diamonds, the sun was shining and the sound of excited young baseballers raring to go. The 3 games to be played were to be 70 minute games with batters starting with 1 ball & 1 strike on them when coming to bat to keep things moving.

The RAMS first game was against Cheltenham and Mr Intensity took the ball throwing to Mr Business. Both teams were a bit slow to get things started but it didn't take long for some good hits by both teams and things were tight for a couple of innings. The RAMS took advantage of a change of pitcher by the Rustlers and let loose with the bat. Mr Intensity got a nice stand up double, Little Al also let loose with a nice line drive and Dark also hitting well. Pup playing his 1st game ever got a couple of walks to the cheer of his team mates and the RAMS went on a run-fest. It wasn't long before the score had blown out with the RAMS ahead by 10 and still pumped ready for more. But the clock ticked over and Rick "Mr Serious" Sexton who was umpiring called "GAME". Sadly Mr Business had to go due to family commitments and the RAMS had 10 players for the next 2 games.

After a 30 minute break for a snack, some fluids and sunscreen it was time to fire up again against Essendon. This time the RAMS were pumped from the first pitch and the hitting fest started immediately. Once again Mr Intensity was hitting the ball hard, as was Big Leaguer. Boof was hitting well as was Bolts, Pup got a hit and it wasn't long before the RAMS had gone through 9 batters. The pitching was shared between Windscreen, Boof, and Big Plasma. Bolts took the job behind the dish putting in a solid effort. All pitchers did well as did the fielders in a real team effort that saw the score already at 16-0 by halfway through the game. To their credit Essendon had a very young side who were full of enthusiasm and were enjoying their baseball which is the most important thing. Life Saver made some great plays at 2nd after Combo told him his glove would work better if it was in front of his body instead of behind..... Mr Intensity played well at 1st and kept everyone pumped, not that they needed it as these boys had certainly come to play. The score continued to blow out with the RAMS dominating at the plate and the game was called early due to the score.

After finishing early the boys enjoyed an hour break to get some lunch, keep the fluids up and sunscreen going then retreating under a big tree before all the Nintendo's came out and it was on for young and old. 'Stevo' Walshe (the 4 legged mascot) was inspecting the field before the RAMS were to take on Geelong for the last game, he gave it his special seal of approval by depositing something hot n steamy behind 1st base....... (Cleaned up of course)

The RAMS had their work cut out for them as Geelong are a quality unit with arguably one of the best U12 pitchers starting for the Baycats, as well as plenty of other quality players. Once again the game was fairly tight early on with Big Leaguer throwing to Mr Intensity, the Baycats put a few hits together and a few momentary lapses by the RAMS allowed some runs to get through. As the boys came in Combo got them all to "take a knee" while he passed on some pearls of wisdom as only Combo can... The RAMS responded stringing a few hits together with Dark, Little Al, Windscreen and Boof all hitting well, Pup showed he had a good eye for strikes and drew a couple of walks and the RAMS got some momentum going. It was a good tight game with the RAMS hitting well against young Spence from Geelong. A pitching change for Geelong didn't slow the boys down and the game finished a close one with Geelong up by 1 as "Game" was called.

The boys were all still pumped and even after packing all the gear up they wanted to stay until the owner of the car Windscreen left his "cracking mark" on returned, but it wasn't to be and well all moved off. All that made the journey out had a great day and got some valuable match practice before the season starts this weekend. Pup had a smile from ear to ear after finally taking the field following training all winter to the point he was ready to eat a baseball. Watching the enthusiasm, sportsmanship and love of the game the boys at that age show really show what baseball is all about. They did themselves proud and will all look forward to a great season to come.