BASEBALL

GIPPSLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

BY RENAE GILLETT

 

THE Latrobe Valley Baseball Association Gippsland Championships were played over the weekend (April 11-12).

Morwell and Moe hosted two days of competitive, high-quality baseball despite relentless wet and wild conditions.

Across the two venues, eight teams came together to contest the prestigious Lloyd Lewis Shield.

Five clubs represented the Latrobe Valley Baseball Association (LVBA), joined by three visiting metropolitan teams – Pakenham Pumas, Monash University and Port Phillip Penguins – adding further depth and intrigue to the tournament.

While the weather posed a constant challenge, the spirit of the competition never wavered.

Rain interruptions and soggy underfoot conditions tested players and officials alike, yet all scheduled games were completed, a credit to the organisers, grounds staff, and competing teams who adapted admirably to the elements.

The complexion of the championship shifted dramatically before the first pitch was thrown, with reigning champions and tournament favourites Dingley forced into a late withdrawal.

The absence of the powerhouse club opened the door for the remaining sides, and several were quick to seize the opportunity.

Sale, long regarded as a strong contender yet to claim the title in recent years, emerged as the tournament’s dominant force.

Over the course of six games, Sale racked up an imposing 81 runs while conceding just 11, showcasing exceptional balance between explosive offence and disciplined defence.

Their flawless performance culminated in a historic achievement: Sale became the first LVBA club to lift the Lloyd Lewis Shield since South Gippsland Miners claimed the title in 2017.

Day one concluded with three teams unbeaten – Churchill, Pakenham, and Sale – setting up a compelling final day of action. Each side demonstrated resilience in the deteriorating conditions, with close contests and momentum swings becoming a familiar theme throughout Saturday’s matches.

Churchill impressed with their consistency, Pakenham displayed trademark grit and speed, while Sale’s run production and composure under pressure marked them as the team to beat heading into Sunday.

Sunday morning opened with a high-stakes elimination matchup between Churchill and Pakenham, a contest befitting a final despite coming earlier in the day.

Both teams traded blows in a tightly fought encounter, with early nerves and defensive discipline keeping the scoreboard in check.

Ultimately, Pakenham’s persistence proved decisive as they edged out Churchill, ending the host club’s championship hopes but earning valuable momentum heading into the title match.

The Gippsland Championship final saw Sale take on a confident Pakenham side, fresh off its elimination victory.

Pakenham struck first, setting an early tone in the top of the first inning.

A sharp single from Jesse Hunter, followed by an error off the bat of Travis Hough, allowed the opening two runs to cross the plate and handed Pakenham a 2-0 lead.

For two innings, Sale was held scoreless as Pakenham’s defence stood firm.

That resistance, however, finally broke in spectacular fashion in the bottom of the third inning.

Sale’s bats erupted, producing an 11-run onslaught that swung the contest decisively.

Crisp line drives to all fields, patient at-bats, and relentless pressure exposed gaps in the Pakenham defence, with two fielding errors compounding the damage.

What had been a tight championship contest was suddenly slipping away from the metro visitors.

Sale showed no signs of easing, adding a further five runs in the fourth inning to extend the lead.

Their dominance in all facets of the game left Pakenham unable to mount a comeback, and the match was eventually called with Sale comfortably in front.

As the final out was recorded, Sale’s players and supporters celebrated a championship earned through consistency, preparation and execution.

Across two demanding days and six matches, Sale proved themselves the most complete team in the field, adapting best to challenging conditions and seizing critical moments when they arose.

The Michael Fahy Memorial MVP Award went to Sale’s Hunter Jones.

The 2026 Gippsland Championships will be remembered not only for Sale’s historic triumph, but also for the resilience shown by all teams in the face of adversity.

Rain may have dominated the weekend, but it did little to dampen the quality of baseball or the significance of a title that finally returned home to Gippsland.

This weekend will start Round 1 of the opening round of the local senior competition.

With more baseball happening across Gippsland, as the sport grows, the LVBA first-ever women’s competition starts on May 9.

Follow LVBA on social platforms, or find out more at: www.lvba.com.au