With the Men’s Fastpitch finals series upon us, here’s a look into how the semi-finals could play out.

By Giacomo Bruno

METRANS V WAVERLEY – 8PM AT KNOX

PREVIOUS MEETINGS: METRANS 8-2 WAVERLEY (RD 6), METRANS 10-3 WAVERLEY (RD 6) & METRANS 16-1 WAVERLEY (SKINS TOURNAMENT RD 3)

In the first semi-final, top placed Metrans will host fourth placed Waverley at home in Knox. The Metrans come into their matchup having won by an average of nine runs in their last three games against Waverley.

The Metrans have strong batters at their disposal. Joel Southam has been reliable opening the batting, while Glenn Rigg, Michael Dyson and Ricky Wheeler have also been handy contributors..

Waverley will be looking to pitcher Alex Chapman for a strong pitching performance to ensure that the Metrans don’t get on a roll. On the batting side, Chapman has shown he can hit a home run, alongside teammate Nathan Tidey who has also been consistent scoring home runs. Other performers will also need to play well if they are to keep touch with the in-form team of the competition.

COUGARS V KNIGHTS – 8PM AT GEELONG

PREVIOUS MEETINGS: COUGARS 9-5 KNIGHTS (RD 6), COUGARS 3-11 KNIGHTS (RD 6), COUGARS 14-4 KNIGHTS (RD 3)

The second semi-final will feature the second placed Cougars hosting the third placed Knights in Geelong. The Cougars bested the Knights 8-3 and 14-4 in double header action back in round three at home and will be looking to do the same this week.

The Cougars led by George Psimaris, were the ladder leaders for most of the season. The side had an array of contributors which have led to their success. Jye Dennie has been key player with his pitching, Pat Parackley has been sturdy with the bat, and youngster Josh Opasinov has proved to be an exciting prospect in his first season at senior level.

The Knights having beaten the Metrans in game one of last week, they’ll be looking to emulate that form again. Peter Lambley and Sam Beales will be looked upon to score the runs, while possessing the same fielding brilliance they showed last week in game one. The Knights beat the Cougars back in round six, which should give them confidence they can do it again.

Header image: Change of Focus Photography