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Masters Report – Round 13 – 13th February 2012:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters are in danger of falling out of the Finals race with a 7 – 2 loss to Geelong last night. Only 5 hits for the night and a multitude of knucklehead errors, meant that the RAMS were never in the game.

The MASTER RAMS batted first and goods hits to Angry and Rookie Paul bought in our first run in the first dig. Unfortunately, one again we failed to capitalise on baserunners and left 3 of them on base. After the first Geelong batter hit safely, we then proceeded to move him around with 4 Wild throws from Angry, Wally (2) and Stotty. It was looking like Keystone Cops there for a while, and with Geelong getting another 2 hits, we were 4 – 1 down after One Innings.

A hit from Slammin Sammy in the second together with a Wild throw gave us another 2 baserunners in the second, but once again we left them on the bases and didn’t score in the second.

Angry was starting to have a good night on the mound, and retired the Geelong batters in order in the second, all with strike outs, to go with his two in the first Innings.

Another solitary hit from Rookie Paul in the next and another error from the Geelong field gave us another two baserunners in the third, but again they were left on base after Stotty flied out to a brilliant play from the Geelong Leftfielder. Angry was starting to get tired in the third and although getting another two strikeouts (7 out of 9 outs!), gave up 5 hits for Geelong to score another 2 runs.

Griffo and AB slugged balls down the third base line causing errors to start off the 4^th dig, and when Wheels Cleary singled to leftfield, we scored our second run. Unfortunately a brilliant barehanded play by their pitcher got Jordy at first and once again we left 3 runners on the bases. Angry was relieved by AB throwing his gravity curves. 3 little pop hits to Geelong didn’t help our cause and although continuing where Angry left off by getting another two strike outs (including a crowd pleaser with the “Gravity Bloop”), Geelong had scored another run to lead 7 -2.

Walshie hit a great shot to left only to fly out to start the 5^th Inning and after Angry wore one on the chest, Rookie Paul hit a hard one up the middle only to see it turned into a double play. AB gave up yet another pop hit to the first batter, but a great fly by Dando followed by regulation grounders from Wheels and Walshy, saw Geelong retired without score.

Although the RAMS pitchers struck out 9 of the 15 outs, we just made too many errors early and then failed to knock our runners around leaving 10 of them on the bases.

The RAMS 5 hits went to Rookie Paul (2) with singles to Wheels, Angry and Slammin Sammy. Wheels and Rookie Paul got the RBI’s.

 The MVP goes to Rookie Paul for two hits and an RBI.  Walshie is saved from the OOPS award this week because we’re going to award it to the Geelong batter who watched the Gravity Bloop fall from the sky onto the plate.

Next game is next Monday, 20th February starting at 6.30 at WILLIAMSTOWN.

Masters Report – Round 12 – 6th February 2012:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

After two losses to the two bottom sides, The Newport Masters came out to play on Monday Night and played out a 2 All draw with the Top side Fitzroy to keep their finals hopes alive.

Brando started on the Mound and was in the zone, throwing to only 4 batters in the first dig. With Slammin Sammy Galofaro picking up every throw into the dirt, Fitzroy were retired without score. The RAMS offence then had their turn picking up a hit and two walks, but as the third out flied out, we had left 3 runners on base.

Brando managed only another 4 batters in the second dig, with Paul Rosado shagging everything in sight in the outfield. The RAMS weren’t doing much better, although getting more runners on base (another two left behind), we still remained scoreless.

Brando was certainly in the zone tonight, and although giving up both an Infield and Outfield hit in the third, Flies from Angry and Rookie Paul and a heart stopping 6-4 from Walshie again retired Fitzroy scoreless. A Hit from Brando in the RAMS third dig was the only highlight, and this pitchers duel continued with the scored still scoreless after 3.

Fitzroy broke their duck in the 4^th Dig with the first two batters getting hits and a sacrifice fly to Rookie Paul bringing in their first run. Brando shut down the Innings with a strike out and had thrown 4 great Innings for only 5 hits and the one run. Slammin Sammy Galafaro started off the RAMS 4^th dig with a hit but again we lost our next three batters to be 1 run down at the change of pitchers.

AB came to the mound in the 5^th to try and bamboozle Fitzroy with Gravity Pitches. The first two batters got on with a hit and an error, but with two ground outs and a pop fly, the field managed to get AB back into the dugout with no additional runs. After AB had ground out to start our 5^th, Wheels Cleary and Walshie put two hits together and Brando then drew a walk to load the bags. Angry then knocked one to Centrefield to score two runs, before Rookie Paul unluckily hit into a Double Play to kill the Innings.

AB got the first two outs in the 6^th, but a walk and then 2 good hits from Fitzroy saw them pick up an equalising run before Brando made a good 5-3 to finish the Innings. The RAMS now needed one run to grab victory. Hits to Slammin Sammy and Big Rick followed by a walk to AB once again loaded the bags with 2 out, however the last out fell again leaving 3 runners stranded.

The RAMS managed 9 hits this week, restricting Fitzroy to 8. Our hits went to Slammin Sammy and Walshie (2 each), with singles to Wheels, Brando Angry, Dando and Big Rick. Angry got both of our RBI’s.

The MVP goes to Slammin Sammy with two hits and a Masterful performance at 1^st base, (with apologies to Brando who was a close second), and after such a great game, there was nobody that deserves the OOPS award.

Next game is next Monday, 13th February starting at 6.30 at THE ALTONA STADIUM.

Masters Report – Round 11 – 30th January 2012:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters have slumped to a second straight defeat, this time at the hands of Preston. Following on from our lousy 4 hits last week, we managed only 5 this week and were outgunned by the Pirates 13 to 3.

Wheels Cleary started us off with a blast to leftfield, but was cut down in a double play when Jordy grounded to second base and then Brando grounded to second as well for a quick Zero Run start. AB came back from his retreat and knocked the first two batters over, but in a sign of things to come, 3 Hits in a row scored 1 run before the Innings was ended.

Dando drew a walk to put a runner on base in the second but two K’s and a 1 to 3, once again saw us picking up our gloves and heading into the field. In between outs, the Preston Batters were starting to pound some big balls and after four hits in the second had scored another 3 runs to lead 4 – 0. Stotty and AB then pounded hits to start off the 3rd, and another Wheels Cleary hit and a sacrifice ground out by Brando scored 2 runs to put us on the Board. AB then threw 4 pitches in the bottom of the 3rd to retire Preston in Order.

The RAMS put on another run in the 4th to be only one behind with the Preston 4th Innings to come. Unbelievably, Preston trickled 4 Infield hits to third but then backed it up with 4 large outfield hits to finish the Innings with 7 runs and an 11-3 lead. The RAMS batters batted another two Innings only getting one more hit whilst Brando threw the last Preston Dig allowing a final 2 runs to finish a pretty Ordinary Night for the Rams. Outhit 17 to 5 by Preston, the Rams were never going to score enough runs.

The RAMS 5 hits went to Wheels (3), El President Stotty and Captain Araldite AB. The RBI’s went to Wheels, Brando, and the Big Unit Lewis.

Wheels must get the “MVP Award” with 60 percent of our hits, whilst the OOPS award must go to AB who thought he had the Preston Batters figured out after the 3rd DIG – BIG OOPS!!!!

Next game is next Monday, 6th February starting at 6.30 at NEWPORT.

Masters Report Round 10 - 23rd January 2012:              Correspondent: NEED FOR SPEED ENVY.
WILLIAMSTOWN defeated Newport.

Whilst there are a number of things that could be acknowledged from this game only one thing rates a mention - No A.B. - No RAMS....

Masters Report – Round 9 – 16th January 2012:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters started the new year off with a win against arch rivals Werribee last night in a see-sawing affair. Although Werribee outhit us 16 to 13, we also drew 9 walks to their 3 to have more runners on the base and run out winners 15 to 11.

The Rams batted first and Mama Cass (Father Time) making his first appearance for the season started the new year off with a slap to Leftfield. Wheels, Angry, Jordy, Big Rick and Slamming Sammy all belted the ball to follow up and we had posted 4 runs on the board in the first dig.

AB started on the mound and got away with only 10 pitches in the first. After a ground out to wheels and allowing a walk, AB then snaffled a line drive from the no.3 batter and threw to first for the double play and side away.

After our outstanding opening Innings, our batters then went to sleep for the next 3 innings, offering up only 10 batters and of course not scoring at all. Defensively, the field was backing AB up well with the outfielders shagging every fly that went into the outfield. We allowed a run on a Passball in the second; Werribee strung 4 hits together in the 3^rd to score another 3, and a shocking safe call at home where a Brando throw to Big Rick had the runner cold, allowed another run in the fourth and the score was 5-4 werribee’s way after 4 Digs.

Change of pitchers in the 5^th saw the Rams draw 3 walks and together with two large extra bag hits to Wheels and Big Rick, we picked up 4 runs to take the lead back. Angry was placed on the mound for the equalizing Innings and Werribee responded with 4 hits and a walk to match our 4 runs and take the lead back by one.

The Master Rams then dug deep for the final Innings and after losing the first batter strung together 5 Hits and 4 walks to put the maximum 7 runs over the plate, and we were up by 6 with Werribee’s bat to come.

After grabbing the first out and then allowing a hit, we had a little hiccough when Angry slipped on the mound injuring his groin and was taken out of the game. However, Doctor Bruce had just arrived and was able to throw the last few batters allowing only a couple of runs to finish the game.

The RAMS 13 hits went to Wheels (3), Mama Cass, Angry, Big Rick and Slammin Sammy (2 each), with singles to Jordy and Brando.

The RBI’s went to Big Rick (5), with 2 each to Mama Cass, Wheels, Angry, Slammin Sammy and Brando.

 We can’t go past Big Rick this week for the “MVP Award” with 5 RBI’s, 2 Hits and stopping at least 70% of AB’s Gravity Curves. The OOPS award goes to Griffo who kept trying to field the ball with his feet instead of his glove. Ironically, he did manage to kick the last one to Brando who threw to first for the final out.

Next game is next Monday, 23rd January starting at 6.30 at NEWPORT.

Masters Report – Round 8 – 19th December 2011:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”
Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters defeated 2^nd placed Geelong at the Stadium this week in a good game of Baseball to keep itself in third position on the ladder with a 4 and 3 record. Although outhitting Geelong 13 to 7, we left 11 runners on base over the 6 Innings but held on to win.

The Rams batted first and Wheels Cleary was our first Baserunner after running out a bouncing ground ball. Doctor Boucher then moved him to second with a hit to centre and after 1st base fumbled a grounder from Angry, Wheels scored from second without breaking stride. A line Drive from Big Rick turned over a double to kill the innings. Angry started on the mound for the RAMS and after a hit to centre, and a muffed fly at right, we had conceded two runs.

We came back at Geelong in the second with 4 hits in the dig to Rookie Paul, Griffo, Dando and El Presidente Stotty for 3 runs. Angry then settled into his role throwing to 4 batters and retiring Geelong without score.

 We added another run in the third after Angry got on on a muffed fly and Slamming Sammy bought hime home with a hit to left. Angry then threw 5 batters to Geelong, getting 2 strikeouts and again retiring them without score.

The Rams were still plugging away on the offence and added another in the 4^th courtesy of another El Presidente hit bringing Griffo home. Angry was throwing his last Inning and with 2 out conceded a blooper hit that scored one and unluckily allowed a second with a Pass Ball. A great effort from Angry on the Mound, throwing 80 pitches, conceding only 5 hits and 2 walks and striking out 6 batters. (He can have 3 weeks off this time rather than the compulsory one).

Change of pitchers for the 5th and 6th Innings, and the Rams kept putting runners on base but couldn’t get them across the plate. Rookie Paul and Brando belted hits to leftfield in the 6th and last but we again went all out with 3 runners stranded. AB put The Doctor on the mound to change the pace against Geelong and it worked a treat. Bouch had them in a spin getting 2 strikouts and backed up with some good plays in the field, the geelong runners could not get past second.

A very tight game against the second side and the RAMS prevailed with a 6 to 4 win.

 The RAMS 13 hits went to Rookie Paul, Utility Griffo and El Presidente Stotty (2 each), with singles to Wheels, Doctor Bouch, Angry, Big Rick, Slamming Sammy, and the Anderson twins Brando and Dando.

The RBI’s went to Dando and El Presidente (2 each) with singles to Angry and Slamming Sammy.

The “MVP Award” this week goes to Angry with 4 great Innings on the mound, a hit and a RBI, and in keeping with the joyousness of the season, together with the fact that we beat a team above us on the ladder, we’ll forgo the Oops award this week.

Next game is next Monday, 16th January starting at 6.30 at WERRIBEE.

Masters Report – Round 7 – 12th December 2011:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”
Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters snatched Victory from the Jaws of defeat last night in a Nailbiter at the Ramdome against Preston. There was not a lot between the teams, Preston grabbing 14 Hits and 2 walks, Newport getting 13 Hits and 6 Walks and both sides making around 15 Errors each.

The RAMS numbers were down this week with Angry having his compulsory week off after pitching last week. – (It’s in his contract!!) Soooo The RAMS started with Marlon Brando Anderson on the mound and although giving up 2 hits, a number of errors in the field allowed in 3 Runs. (we could have turned over 7 outs in those first 9 batters.) The MASTER RAMS also started well and 2 Walks followed by a leftfield slug from Jordy bought in 2 Runs.

We errored the first Preston batter again in the second inning which opened the door for Preston to belt another 7 hits and combined with another wild throw, we let Preston get the maximum 7 runs. Not to be outdone, the Newport batters belted 4 hits, grabbed 2 walks and with a couple of errors scored 5 runs of their own while leaving 3 men on the bases. We were still only 10-7 down.

AB assumed the mound in the 3rd dig throwing up gentle cream-puffs to try and change the tempo. The field suddenly came good and we retired Preston without score after only 4 batters. The Newport batters were starting to pile on the hits and great blows to leftfield by Jordy and Big Rick got us another 2 runs to be only 1 behind.

More Cream-puffs again in the 4th and after allowing a hit first up, great flys by Griffo and Jordy and a very rare K to AB retired Preston again with no score. Walshie started off the RAMS dig with a 2 bag blast to leftfield and came home on another 2 bagger to Al (8 from 8) Condie. The Late Slammin Sammy killed the Innings hitting into a double but the score was now 10 All with one to play.

A great play by Big Rick behind the dish to fire out the runner going to first started the 5th Dig. Then 2 big hits by the Preston top order scored the go ahead run before a great fly by Brando at right field and another ground out by Griffo at third ended the dig. The Rams needed to score 2 for an unlikely win, and with their top end up, Wheels and Brando started with hits, followed by a walk to Jordy and then a leftfield belt by Big Rick got the two runs needed and the game was over.

The RAMS 13 hits went to Wheels, Brando, Jordy, and Big Rick (2 each), with singles to El Presidente, Walshie, Griffo, Al (8 from 8) Condie and AB. The RBI’s went to Jordy (4), El Presidente (3), Big Rick (2), and singles to Wheels, Griffo and Big Al Condie.

The “MVP Award” this week goes to Jordy with 2 hits and a walk and 4 RBI’s (despite his Queen Mary Turn the wrong way when chasing a fly at left field). The Oops award this week goes to Slammin Sammy who arrived an hour late and then promptly hit into a double play.

Next game is next Monday, 19th December starting at 8.30 at ALTONA.

Masters Report – Round 6 – 5th December 2011:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”
Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters were beaten last night by a good Fitzroy outfit 12-7. The hit count of 13 to 7 Fitzroy’s way pretty much being the difference between the two sides.

The MASTER RAMS batted first and only put up 4 batters before being retired. AB started on the mound and with a walk and a hit from the first two batters together with a Wheels Cleary Muffed Line Drive which turned a double play into a run, things weren’t looking good. However the Fitzroy batters started hitting to Doctor Bouch who turned over a Double play to kill the Innings.

The Rams offence went 3 Up and Down in their second at Bat whilst AB also shut down Fitzroy with more help from the Doctor who had had a hand in 5 of the 6 outs so far. The Rams came alight in the 3^rd dig with two out and a man on third, we strung 5 hits together including a Double to Wheels and we scored 5 runs. AB then gave up 4 hits from the first 5 batters and his night looked about to end but Dr Bouch with yet another out closed out the Innings with Fitzroy scoring 3 to lead 6-5.

Jordy smashed a ball to leftfield to start the 4^th dig, the Big Unit Lewis drew a walk and when Dr Bouch bunted a little shot to centrefield to score 2 runs, the RAMS Masters were suddenly in this game and ahead 7-6. Unfortunately AB started the fourth Dig and after hitting the first batter and allowing a hit to the second, took himself out and brought Angry to the Mound. Fitzroy were in their stride at this stage and grabbed another 4 hits and 2 walks from Angry to score 6 runs to effectively close out the game.

The Rams scored 7 Individuals hits this week to Wheels, Brando, Angry, Big Rick, Jordy, Dr Bouch and El Presidente Stotty. The RBI’s went to Angry and Dr Bouch (2 each), with singles to Brando, Big Rick and El Presidente.

The “MVP Award” this week goes to Dr Bouch with a Hit, 2 RBI’s and a hand in 7 of the 12 Fitzroy Outs. The Oops award this week goes to Wheels who had a Line drive find its way out of his glove - again. (Better get that Glove looked at Stevie!!)

Next game is next Monday, 12th December starting at 6.30 against Preston at HOME.

Masters Report – Round 5 – 28th November 2011:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters consolidated their place in the four last night with a good win over Arch Rivals Williamstown 14-3.

 The MASTER RAMS batted first and once again Wheels Cleary started the ball rolling with a hit first up. Another from Griffo and then a Sacrifice Fly to Jordy brought our first run in before Slammy Sammy hit into a Double Play to kill the Innings. Both Pitchers from last week (Wally and Angry) failed to recover in time for this week, and so AB grabbed the pill and started on the mound. 3 Batters later and with our own Double Play courtesy of a Griffo Fly at third, Williamstown were shut down without scoring.

Consecutive Hits to Dando and Brando and a walk to Stotty had us with Loaded Bags and two out in the second Dig. Further hits to Rookie Paul Rosado, The Big Unit Lewis, Wheels Cleary and Griffo and the Master Rams had scored 6 runs with 2 out. Willy started with a dubious hit to Centrefield where Jordy was having an afternoon stroll to the ball, however two great flys at leftfield to Dando again shut Willy down without scoring.

Newport again went 2 down after two batters in the third, but again rallied with hits to Dando (Obviously enjoying the new found confidence instilled in him by the new manager), Brando, Stotty and even AB knocked a little blooper over third and we grabbed another 2 runs. Another Super Fly at Leftfield to Superstar Dando and then a Double Play by AB to Stotty to Lewis, and Willy had again failed to score.

The Rams took their foot off the pedal in the fourth and presented 3 batters for 3 outs. Willy then started to find AB’s range and clobbered two huge 3 base hits on top off another hit and an error to score their first 3 runs. In the fifth we started off with 5 straight hits including a third to DANDO (Playing the game of his life) and put another 3 runs on the board before AB hit into a double to kill the Innings. Brando relieved AB on the mound and quickly found the plate shutting down Willy in the fifth and sixth innings, the only two batters getting on with walks. Dando could not be stopped shagging yet another super fly out at Leftfield. A two-bag bullet from Rookie Paul followed by hits to the ever reliables Wheels and Jordy bought another two runs for the Rams in the last and the game was over 14-3.

 All Rams batters scored a hit this week with The Rams 20 hits going to Dando, Wheels and Marlon Brando (3 Each), Griffo, Jordy, and Rookie Paul (2 each) with Singles to Slamming Sammy, Big Rick, El Presidente Stotty, AB and the Big Unit Lewis.

 Unbelievably, All Rams players also scored an RBI as well. RBI’s went to Wheels, Griffo and Rookie Paul (2 each), with singles to Jordy, Slamming Sammy, Big Rick, Dando, Brando, Stotty AB and the Big Unit Lewis.

The “MVP Award” this week is a lay-down Misere to DANDO 3 hits from 3 as well as about 32 Flys at Leftfield. It was a struggle to find somebody to give the Oops award to, but EL Presidente Stotty didn’t have a great night at Short, so we’ll land it with him.

Next game is next Monday, 5th December starting at 8.30 against Fitzroy at Altona.

Masters Report – Round 4 – 21st November 2011:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters were comprehensively beaten by Geelong last night 13-4.

We started Wally Walshe on the mound and he struggled to find the plate at first, walking the first 3 batters. But as he started to find the strike zone, the Geelong batters strung 3 hits together and had crossed the plate 6 times in the first dig before being retired. Wheels Cleary started the offence off on the right foot by belting a double into the corridor which he stretched into a single. A walk to Wally, and a Slamming single base hit to the pitcher ?? by Sammy followed, but we left 3 runners on base and failed to score.

Wally started to find the plate better in the second. Only two runs were conceded and the Innings was finished by a magnificent running fly taken by our Rookie, Paul Rosado. Paul then hit a large fly to Centrefield which was muffed, and came home on a Dando hit to leftfield. The Innings was then killed with Jordy STROLLING into a Double Play.

AB wasn’t having a good game managing, and sent Wally out for yet another Innings. The first 2 outs came easy, but 2 Walks and 2 Hit Batters, enabled Geelong to put up another 3 runs. The Newport Batters were certainly making hard work of it and with only a single hit to Wheels, we were left scoreless again.

AB finally made the move and brought in Angry to relieve in the Fourth (Only about 95 pitches too late according to Wally). Although conceding two hits, the field stayed firm and Geelong failed to score. Hard hits to Big Rick, Angry, Rookie Paul, and Griffo, finally got the Master Rams on the board with 2 runs.

Angry delivered more good stuff in the Fifth Dig, again holding Geelong scoreless. He was getting a lot of stuff past the Geelong Batters, but unfortunately, it was getting past Griffo as well!! We added another rin in the fifth with a lead off single from Lewis who scored from a BLAZING hit from President Stotty.

AB (not having a great day, decision wise), then sent Wally to Shortstop (after 95 pitches) – Doh! With 2 out, Wally then missed 1^st base by about 30 feet with a powder puff. Geelong scored yet another 2 runs and then shut us down again to close out the game.

The Rams 9 hits went to Wheels (2), with Singles to Griffo, Angry, Dando, Slamming Sammy, Rookie Paul, El Presidente, and the Big Unit Lewis.

RBI’s went to El Presidente, Rookie Paul, Dando and Griffo.

 We’ll give the “MVP Award” this week to Angry for an impressive debut on the mound, and the OOPs award is shared between Wally, who just wasn’t having a good night, and AB, who wasn’t bright enough to realise it!!!

Next game is next Monday, 28th November starting at 6.15 at Williamstown.

Masters Report – Round 3 – 14th November 2011:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

The Newport Masters endured a defeat at the hands of Werribee last night 11-8 in their first home game for the year.

Marlon Brando Anderson started on the mound and it was a little untidy hitting the first batter and then having Dando Anderson run under a Fly ball at leftfield and then another hit to leftfield by batter number 3. However a double play by Wheels Cleary killed the Innings and Werribee had only managed 2 runs. Our offence didn’t start off any better with only 4 batters going to the plate and only one runner getting on by an error.

Marlon started hitting his straps in the second and retired Werribee without score, but again The Masters rams only put 4 batters up and only one on base again by an error. Werribee managed only the one hit in the third, but it was enough to score another run. In the field, The Big Unit Lewis was shagging every fly in sight. The Rams went down in order in the third and were having trouble getting the ball out of the Infield. The Fourth Inning was much of the same and the score after 4 digs was 3 – 0 to Werribee with the second string pitchers about to take the mound.

AB relieved Marlon and first up The Big Unit Lewis started dropping Flys, (Not a good Career Move, Lewis!!). AB then hit the next batter and things weren’t looking good. A 2 bag drive by the Werribee batter bought in two runs but the innings ended as he tried to stretch it to a third with a great relay Lewis to Wally to Big Rick. The Rams batters then came alive with the new pitcher and strung together 6 hits including a double to Wally and the game was tied at 5 All.

Another 4 hits and a couple of errors in the 6^th Dig gifted Werribee another 4 runs whilst the Rams went back into their shell and couldn’t respond. Highlight of the Innings was Dando running over the ball at Left field and then in “Bad News Bears” style, kicking his glove along the ground all the way back to his position!

Werribee added another 2 in the seventh which was finished off by an unassisted Double Play to Jordy. The Rams had a short rally in the last to claw 3 runs back but it wasn’t enough and we were beaten 11-8.

The Rams 12 hits went to Wheels, Jordy, Marlon and Griffo (2 each) and singles to Angry, Wally, Dando and Slamming Sammy.

RBI’s went to Jordy (3), Angry (2) and singles to Big Rick, Marlon and The Big Unit.

We’ll give the “MVP Award” this week to Jordy for 2 Hits, 3 RBI’s and an unassisted Double Play. The OOPs award goes to Dando Anderson for his brilliant “Bad News Bears” impression out at Leftfield.

Next game is next Monday, 21^st November starting at 6.15 at the Ram Dome against Geelong.

Masters Report – Round 2 – 7th November 2011:            Correspondent: “Need for Speed”

Warning: Any resemblance of this report to any factual occurrence is purely coincidental.

After the washout in Round 1 last week, The Newport Masters have started off the season with a 22-14 win last Night away to Preston. 36 Runs in only 5 Innings had both teams’ batters on top of the pitchers in what could only be called a slugfest.

The Master Rams batted first and Steve Cleary signalled what was to follow with a stand-up double into the Centre Right alley. Follwing hits to Big Rick and Slamming Sammy and we had 3 Runs on the Board.

AB (Captain Araldite) grabbed the pill and started on the mound (so that he could use a DH and didn’t have to bat and run in the hot conditions...). 2 hits from the first two batters wasn’t a great start but some good fielding restricted Preston’s start to 2.

Angry Malthouse welcomed himself into the Masters competition with a Stand up double in the 2^nd and the Rams managed another 2 Runs. The first 3 batters in Preston’s 2^nd dig belted AB to leftfield, but the field again rallied to have the score 5 all after 2.

The RAMS piled on 4 runs in the third thanks to another alley shot from Wheels Cleary for his 2^nd Stand up double, whilst AB was struggling and after another 3 hits, a walk, and a sac fly, Preston had picked up another 3 and AB took himself out. Brando Anderson took the mound but the Preston batters had found their range and scored another 3 to lead 11-9 after 3.

The RAMS batters broke the game open in the final 2 digs scoring 6 and 7 runs respectively, helped along by a 3 run stand up double to Walshy, and 6 Walks. Defensively, Brando held Preston to 2 Runs in the fourth thanks to a magnificent double play started by an Angry Fly ball and finished with a Run down play involving almost everybody else. We took Walshy out of Mothballs to throw the last dig, and the memories came flooding back. He retired the Preston batters for the addition of only 1 more run.

The RAMS 16 hits went to Wheels Cleary (4), Big Rick (3), Angry, Sammy and Dando Anderson (2 each), and singles to Brando, Walshy and the Big Unit Lewis.

RBI’s went to Wheels and Walshy (4 each), Angry (3), Big Rick, the Big Unit, and Dando (2 each), and singles to Brando, Sammy and Griffo.

We’ll give the “MVP Award” this week to Wheels Cleary for his 4 Hits and 4 RBI’s, whilst the OOPs award (probably unfairly) goes to Angry Malthouse for a strike out in his first time at bat.

NEXT WEEK WE ARE AT THE RAM-DOME AGAINST WERRIBEE