Mid Week – Doncaster Dragons 17 Sandringham 7
Disciplined batting was the key to success for the Doncaster Dragons as they beat Sandringham 17-7 at Deep Creek on Tuesday night.
The Dragons took advantage of some wayward Royals pitching as they racked up their highest score of the season despite playing only four offensive innings.
They blew the game open with a remarkable second inning, in which they scored nine runs with only one hit – a double by Billy Findlay – but took advantage of 10 walks, a wild pitch and a three-run error.
“We did a good job of stringing together quality at-bats and not expanding the zone,” coach Brendan McDonald said.
Findlay and Luke Utting led the offence with two hits apiece. Findlay had three RBIs and scored three runs. Callum Lethborg, Brian Chen and McDonald also scored three runs each.
Four pitchers – Mitch Ellis, Lethborg, Aimon Dowling and Dan McGrath – shared the pitching duties, and the Dragons played error-free defence.
It was Doncaster’s second consecutive game with a 10-run winning margin, having beaten Fitzroy 12-2 last Saturday.
“We’re a better team than our record indicates and the past couple of games have shown what we’re capable of,” McDonald said.
Saturday – Doncaster Dragons 12 Fitzroy Lions 2
The Doncaster Dragons rebounded from a pair of one-run losses with an emphatic 12-2 victory over Fitzroy at Merri Park on Saturday.
Four players shared the pitching duties, with the lion’s share of the work done by Brian Chen, who started at third base but took over mound duties in the third inning. Chen then pitched 5.1 innings, allowing just one run on five hits, while striking out four.
Mitch Ellis, Callum Lethborg and Billy Findlay combined to allow only one run to ensure Doncaster’s lead was never seriously challenged.
“Brian was excellent after a few weeks away. He gave us everything he had,” coach Brendan McDonald said.
“And it was great to see Mitch back out there after a delayed start to the season. He threw well and helped set the tone for the day.”
With 12 runs on 14 hits, it was also Doncaster’s best offensive performance of the season. Marcel D’Avoine led the way with three hits, two runs scored and three RBIs. Nic Unland, Jean Alvarado, Luke Utting and Rolando Curiel each had two hits. Pinch hitter Aimon Dowling provided the biggest hit of the day, a two-run triple in the ninth inning.
The defensive highlights were a couple of outstanding outfield catches, first by Findlay who recorded an out at left field despite a bone-crunching collision with centre fielder Alvarado. Later, Alvarado tracked down and held on to a fly ball that seemed destined to go well over his head.
“We threw strikes, made some great defensive plays and executed in the box,” McDonald said. “Everyone found a way to contribute.”
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