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mrbucket · 03-31-2018, 08:30 AM

The Trans Tasman Classic 2001-02: Otago Thunderbolts vs Canberra Power

Well here we are. The very first Trans Tasman Classic. The Otago Thunderbolts from New Zealand, and the Canberra Power from Australia.

Who will emerge the victor? Which country will be able to claim credit for the existence of Russell Crowe for an entire year?

The series has its opening games in Dunedin.

GAME ONE

The Thunderbolts draw first blood!

The highlight is a 3-run home run from Otago RF Rex Wellby, a player that can often be counted on for a clutch hit when you need it. Otago were down 5-4 at that point at the bottom of the 7th but that 356ft hit proved to be the winning run.

Wellby was named player of the game. He went 3 for 4 with a home run, 2 singles. He scored 2 times and drove in 5.

Otago up 1-0

GAME TWO

The Thunderbolts managed twice as many hits as the Power but couldn't convert those opportunities into runs as well as the Power. A Zachariah Wanhalla solo home run in the 9th was the run that broke the deadlock in the end. Otago with no answer in the bottom of the 9th.

The series is tied as it heads to Canberra.

GAME THREE

The Canberra Power simply don't let up on Otago throughout to take the match. Aside from a solitary run in the 2nd innings, Otago simply cannot get on the scoreboard. Meanwhile not even the power of Randolph D'antonio can keep the Power from scoring runs. They take the lead in the series 2-1.

GAME FOUR

The Canberra Power take a 3-1 lead in the series with another dominating performance. The tone was set early as Domenic Redelius sent a 2-run home run into the stands in the 1st, and some good batting in the 2nd saw the Power score 4 runs to take a very early 6-0 lead. Otago fight back but the difference is too much.

The Canberra Power are now one win away from the Russell Crowe Invitational Championship.

GAME FIVE

Canberra nearly blew it here. Up 5-3 going into the 9th, reliever Seb Vantassell starting walk everyone -- allowing Otago to pick up 3 runs to take the lead 6-5.

But Canberra wasn't interested in having another game. After their first hitter was walked, pinch hitter Randolph Robilliard sent a 431ft walk-off home run into the crowd.

What a way to end it all! The Canberra Power are in the inaugural winners of the Russell Crowe Invitational, and they did it in style!

03-31-2018, 08:30 AM	#32
mrbucket All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: New Zealand Posts: 902	The Trans Tasman Classic 2001-02: Otago Thunderbolts vs Canberra Power Well here we are. The very first Trans Tasman Classic. The Otago Thunderbolts from New Zealand, and the Canberra Power from Australia. Who will emerge the victor? Which country will be able to claim credit for the existence of Russell Crowe for an entire year? The series has its opening games in Dunedin. GAME ONE The Thunderbolts draw first blood! The highlight is a 3-run home run from Otago RF Rex Wellby, a player that can often be counted on for a clutch hit when you need it. Otago were down 5-4 at that point at the bottom of the 7th but that 356ft hit proved to be the winning run. Wellby was named player of the game. He went 3 for 4 with a home run, 2 singles. He scored 2 times and drove in 5. Otago up 1-0 GAME TWO The Thunderbolts managed twice as many hits as the Power but couldn't convert those opportunities into runs as well as the Power. A Zachariah Wanhalla solo home run in the 9th was the run that broke the deadlock in the end. Otago with no answer in the bottom of the 9th. The series is tied as it heads to Canberra. GAME THREE The Canberra Power simply don't let up on Otago throughout to take the match. Aside from a solitary run in the 2nd innings, Otago simply cannot get on the scoreboard. Meanwhile not even the power of Randolph D'antonio can keep the Power from scoring runs. They take the lead in the series 2-1. GAME FOUR The Canberra Power take a 3-1 lead in the series with another dominating performance. The tone was set early as Domenic Redelius sent a 2-run home run into the stands in the 1st, and some good batting in the 2nd saw the Power score 4 runs to take a very early 6-0 lead. Otago fight back but the difference is too much. The Canberra Power are now one win away from the Russell Crowe Invitational Championship. GAME FIVE Canberra nearly blew it here. Up 5-3 going into the 9th, reliever Seb Vantassell starting walk everyone -- allowing Otago to pick up 3 runs to take the lead 6-5. But Canberra wasn't interested in having another game. After their first hitter was walked, pinch hitter Randolph Robilliard sent a 431ft walk-off home run into the crowd. What a way to end it all! The Canberra Power are in the inaugural winners of the Russell Crowe Invitational, and they did it in style! Last edited by mrbucket; 04-12-2018 at 04:41 PM.