From the very first out of the tournament on the very first batter they faced, Manly Warringah U/10s tee-ball coach Sue Brandenburg knew her team was on.
In the team’s first game at Peace Park, Seven Hills, against North Shore, there was a
big hit to left field collected by Manly’s Aiyla Maake and hurled hard to first base where Amarlea Tonga who made the out.
Manly's tee-ballers celebrate their 27-14 win over Campbelltown.
It was a sensational start to the NSW State U/10 Softball Championships, and the girls from Manly carried the form with them all through the weekend.
They won all their games on day one and had to beat Penrith on the first game of day two make the grand final.
Not only did they win it, they played their best game and triumphed 23-9.
But their toughest test was next up: Cumberland. Powerful, undefeated Cumberland, who prevailed 19-6.
But Brandenburg knew: the girls had it in them.
Ultimately, though, Cumberland was too strong and ran out deserved winners 22-15.
“The final was much closer and we certainly gave them a scare,” Brandenburg said.
“So we managed silver; runners up at the State Championships.
“For a very young team it’s a great achievement.”
Manly girls: cool.
Best for Manly across the weekend were:
Second base Mikayli King who made numerous outs and batted strongly.
Milla Catterick at third base also made numerous and was a strong batter.
Violet Benham in the outfield chased everything, turned home-runs into two-baggers and always backed up
Maaka was great fielding and made some sensational catches.
And Tonga was strong at first base and great batting.
Runners-up in the state championships of NSW? For a young team it's not so shabby. Not so shabby at all.
