After finishing the season top of the table, the Metrans are poised to take out the Men’s Fastpitch Grand Final.

By Giacomo Bruno

After a narrow victory against Waverley in the semi-final last week, the side is set to take on the Cougars in the season decider this Thursday night.

The Metrans have the wood over their opponents this season, but Metrans’ leader Mark Rigg told SV Media his side is in for a challenge.

“We back our ability, but we also know that Geelong [Cougars] are formidable and had players missing when we played them last time,” Rigg said.

“It will make for a cracking game when they’re at full strength this Thursday.”

Coming into the season Rigg expected his side to competitive, in what he believes has been the strongest competition in recent memory.

“The goal was just to challenge up against good teams,” said Rigg.

“The competition this year was very good and the best it’s been in a number of years, so that’s been a challenge.”

Rigg says it’s been the team dynamic which has brought success throughout this season’s competition so far.

“It’s been a combination of experience, youth and a never die attitude [that brought success],” said Rigg.

A player the Metrans will look upon in the Grand Final is first batter and in-fielder Joel Southam. Rigg values highly what Southam offers to the side.

“He [Southam] is crucial to our structure,” Rigg said.

“Someone of his playing ability and experience… there’s not too many players around like that.”

“To have him starting off [batting] and on the in-field, passing on his knowledge to the young kids has been superb.”

The Metrans will take on the Cougars at 8pm this Thursday, 1st April at Knox.

It’s been a venue that the side has made a fortress this season and they will hope to continue that form on the big stage.

Header image: Change of Focus Photography