Sydney University defeated Petersham 11-8 to repeat as SWBL 3rd Grade Champions. This was the rubber match between the two most storied clubs in the league, having met in every Grand Final since 2015. Sydney Uni also went back-to-back in 2012-13.
Matt Currey was awarded Grand Final MVP after wreaking havoc on the base paths with 3 Hits, 3 Runs and 4 Stolen Bases. Matt was also named SWBL 3rd Grade MVP, thanks to season stats that resembled a video game: .547 AVG, 1.085 SLG, 27 Hits, 11 Doubles, 3 Triples, 3 HR and 33 RBI’s in 12 games.
Big offensive contributions came from Sam Collins with 2 Hits & 3 RBI’s and Tim Nelson’s 1 Hit and 3 RBI’s. Mitch Liddle and Anthony Palmer provided 2 Hits apiece.
Jon “Duck” Nicoll followed up his complete game last week with another solid performance, collecting the Win from his 5 Innings start.
Coach Rob Giallombardo colourfully exclaimed his pride for his players after they delivered his maiden coaching title; nearly in tears in the post-game huddle. The team’s elation during the final out, and then hearty rendition of the club song, were followed by many libations to Tatonka into the small hours of the night.
Earlier, Sydney Uni showed solidarity with Sonny Butterworth, who had been hospitalised the past week. The entire squad donned yellow wristbands emblazoned with Sonny’s #61, to demonstrate their support and wish him a speedy recovery.
Sonny is OK after being brought out of an induced coma. He is apparently cracking jokes despite still being in intensive care, and his voice box appears fine, allowing him to continue pursuit of a career in law.
Box Score
Score by Innings ................. R H E ------------------------------------------- Sydney Uni.......... 100 143 110 -11 13 4 Petersham........... 200 100 050 - 8 12 4 ------------------------------------------- W - Jon Nicol L - Ky Jackson Sydney Uni Hits: Matt Currey 3, Sam Collins 2, Anthony Palmer 2, Mitch Liddle 2, Tim Nelson 1, Stuart Wright 1, Andrew Franklin 1, Roger Morris 1.
