The Russell Crowe Invitational

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Bay of Plenty Steamrollers vs Auckland Aces

These first rounds of playoffs have been reduced to a best-of-5 series this season. Can Auckland provide an upset here, or will it be a third straight final for this 100-win team?



Building on the amazing work of Randolph Vankrimpen, the Bay of Plenty hitters started to deliver in the 7th innings with 2 home runs by Rhys Macdonald and Ciaran Mackay sealing the deal for the Steamrollers. Bay of Plenty go up 1-0.



Karmataman Prithviraj gave up 4 hits and 2 runs in the first three innings but refused to give up anything else for the rest of the game. That let the Bay of Plenty hitters grab the advantage back from the Aces. The Steamrollers go up 2-0, one win away from the New Zealand final!



And it's a sweep! A Baden DeJong double in the 1st lets Auckland scores a run but that's the only time they'll be able to get a run on the board. When Bay of Plenty's lead-off hitter Baden Macleod hits a solo home run with the second pitch, the Steamrollers set the tone for the rest of the game.

Bay of Plenty will be in the New Zealand final for the third straight year.

On Deck: Northland Giants vs Waikato River Bandits

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Northland Giants vs Waikato River Bandits

The Waikato River Bandits will be looking to make an impact in their first ever playoff appearance. They'll be playing against the Northland Giants, who are hungry for a second straight trip to the New Zealand final.



It was a pitchers duel in game one as Northland's Rex Uridge and Waikato's Masamoto van der Meijden threw everything they had in this game. 25 year old Northland 3B Ciaran Macleod continued his stellar season with the Giants with 2 home runs in the 3rd and 8th inning.

(been huge growth for Ciaran Macleod, 2.9 WAR in season 1, 7.9 WAR in season 2, and 10.5 WAR this season)

Giants win. They take the early lead in the series 1-0.



Another low scoring thriller with Waikato's pitcher Baden Belgrove contributing not only from the mound but also with the bat in producing a single that contributed a run.

Waikato bounce back and tie the series up!



The third straight low scoring thriller in a row. This one went up to the 14th innings with a Rex Benedich single breaking the deadlock and granting the Giants the win and a series lead of 2-1.

The Giants are one win away from the New Zealand final!



After scores of 3-1, 2-1, and 2-1 the Northland Giants finally broke the Waikato River Bandits pitching attack and put up a huge 8-1 score to put the series beyond doubt.

The Giants will meet the Bay of Plenty Steamrollers in the New Zealand final for the second straight year.

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Canberra Power vs Newcastle Ducks

Measured by runs conceded, we've got the two best pitching teams in Australia on display here. The Ducks will have a tough time trying to keep the Power contained and out of their third straight final. Canberra have a 9-3 advantage over Newcastle this season.



The Ducks had no problem getting the hits on the board but couldn't convert them into runs -- 11 hits from the Ducks turned into 1 run while 12 hits from the Power was converted into a much more impressive 7. The difference, Power (as in force multiplied by velocity, not the team, though it applies to the team, gosh this is confusing).

While the Ducks were mainly getting singles, the Power were getting doubles and triples and home runs to get their runners onto home base. Zachariah Wanhalla's 3-run home run in the 7th really sealed the deal for the Power as they go up 1-0 in this series.



The Ducks game out firing in game 2, and had posted a 5-0 lead by the 4th innings. A Domenic Redelius home run in the 6th got themselves back on the board but they went into the bottom of the 9th down 6-2.

Leading off for the Power was 3B Zachariah Wanhalla who got a double, C Yoo-ngan Jue got walked, and then CF Rex Taintey hit a groundball that should have been a routine out but the Ducks overthrew and let Taintey get to 1st while Jue went to 2nd, and Wanhalla to 3rd. Bases loaded.

Next up was pinch hitter Zachariah Youngberry. He stood still for the first two pitches, a ball and a strike, then swung hard at the 3rd sending it out for a grandslam home run! Immediately tying the game at 6-all and sending the game into extra innings.

It was the bottom of the 12th when the Power finally broke the deadlock with a CF Rex Taintey single letting Katip Hulleman get home and grab the win. Canberra are now up 2-0.



That's a sweep! After the thriller in game 2, the Power put the series beyond doubt with a commanding performance in game 3.

On deck: Tasmania Tigers vs Adelaide Zips

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Tasmania Tigers vs Adelaide Zips

Our final match-up in the first round. The Adelaide Zips are the defending Australian Champions while the Tasmania Tigers are making their first appearance in the playoffs.



Well, it was a tight game and early in the 7th innings it didn't look like that was going to change anytime soon as two of the first three Adelaide hitters were called out but then it turned into a massacre. An assortment of singles, doubles, and triples and two pitching changes saw the Zips put 7 runs on the board, all with 2 outs.

The Tigers attempted to mount a comeback but fell short. Adelaide win the first game and go up 1-0 in the series.



The Zips demolished the Tigers in game 2. The Tigers simply had no answer to the hitting onslaught as they go down 2-0 in the series. If they want to keep their hopes alive, they must win the next game.



The Tigers sneak a game back! The game was tit-for-tat throughout. A timely run in the 9th ensured the game would go to extra innings and another run in the 10th got them the win. Adelaide is still up 2-1 but the Tigers are still in this!



A real pitchers duel in game 4 as neither side managed to get any runs on the board during the first 9 innings. An outstanding performance by Adelaide pitcher Baden Duncalf was the key here as he went 9 innings conceding only 2 hits and a walk.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 12th when 1B Domenic Acret sent a solo home run into the crowd. That was enough, and the Adelaide Zips will be in their third straight final -- facing the Canberra Power for the third straight year.

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New Zealand Final: Bay of Plenty Steamrollers vs Northland Giants

A sense of deja vu for the Steamrollers and Giants. Both teams were in this final last season, the Steamrollers won that 4-2 and went on to win the Trans Tasman Classic.

The Steamrollers were coming off a 100+ win season while the Giants managed to repeat their exact 95-win total from last season as well. Will history repeat? The Giants had the edge in the regular season, with 7 wins over 12 games.



Both teams sent out their top pitchers, Northland with Rex Uridge and Bay of Plenty with Randolph Vankrimpen and it was certainly Uridge grabbing the advantage here as he shutout the Bay of Plenty attack allowing his team to get a 4-0 win in game one.

The Giants win didn't come easy though, it wasn't until Vankrimpen was taken off that Northland put significant runs on the board via a 3-run home run from 1B Willem Ladds in the 8th.



Game two was a tight affair with neither pitcher giving up a lot. We were looking at extra innings but a sacrifice fly in the 9th by Northland SS Callum Macdonald got them the run that'll turn out to be the winner.

Bay of Plenty managed to get Domenic Sheelah to third in the bottom of the 9th but couldn't get him home. Northland are now up 2-0, amazing start as the series swings back to Whangarei for the next three games.



The Steamrollers were home run happy in game three, sending three into the crowd over the course of the game against the solitary one by the Giants.

But the Steamrollers were demolished anyway. Their pitchers gave up 10 walks throughout the game as the Giants gleefully kept the runs flowing in a 13-4 win.

The Giants are now up 3-0 and are only one win away from the New Zealand title and the Trans Tasman Classic!



The Steamrollers aren't going to go down easy though, they power through game four to get their first win of the series. They're still down 3-1 but there's a new spring in the step for the Steamrollers now. The Giants need to regroup.



After Rex Uridge got the upper hand in game one, it was Randolph Vankrimpen's turn to shut out the opposition. Vankrimpen allowed only 4 hits and no walks during his 8 innings The winning runs came from a Finlay Mackay single, a Ciaran Mackay double, and a Domenic Sheelah single to get both Mackay brothers home.

The series is now at 3-2. We shift back to Tauranga for the final two games. Will the Giants blow this?



The Steamrollers put in a big performance for their home crowd to tie the series up. The highlight moment came from pinch hitter Hanrahan van der Bijl who sent a 3-run home run into the stands. This series goes to a game seven. Can the Giants hold on to win or will this comeback by the Steamrollers be regarded as one of the greatest of all time?



BAY OF PLENTY ARE THE NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN! Though, boy did they have to work for it. They had to go all the way to a game 7 and that game had to go down to the 13th innings until we got ourselves a winner.

A relatively simple Ciaran Mackay single got the Steamrollers the winning run but it was a heavy grind to get to that point.

The Steamrollers conducted an amazing comeback against the Giants, they were down 3-0 in the series before hitting back to win the thing 4-3.

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Australia Final: Canberra Power vs Adelaide Zips

Power-Zips is becoming a bit of an institution in Australia. This is the third straight year that these two teams have faced each other in the final. The other 8 teams that populate Australia have no idea what it's even like to be in the Australia final. Let alone what comes next.

Australia's two best hitters face off here. Look at Career WAR over the first three seasons and these two are right there at #1 and #2 (and that includes the NZ hitters), 0.3 is the difference -- or 0.1 WAR over a season on average.

Adelaide's Rex Dulihanty is considered one of the leaders of his team and of the game in Australia. He hasn't missed a single game over these three years and is a solid performer in the field. He's had the edge on Redelius, with two out of two MVP awards to his name.

Canberra's Domenic Redelius is talented and well-rounded as a hitter, more so than Dulihanty many will argue but lacks motivation at times. He's not interested in leadership roles and has often got in clashes with management over arriving late to games and training plus often puts in a lackluster performance in the field. Despite all the criticism, this is the guy responsible for the team with the most successful record in Australia. That can't be forgotten.

His contract is up after this season so we'll see how the open market treats the 33 year old Redelius.



The Zips shocked the Canberra faithful in the opening game to take game one with a huge 10-3 win over the Power.



The Power bounced back in game two. A big 6th innings (featuring two home runs from the lads from Canberra) getting them over the line in a 7-5 win. The series is tied, and moves to Adelaide for the next there games.



After getting up by 2 runs in the 5th, the Zips were able to maintain that lead for the rest of the game to go up 2-1 in the series.



Canberra struggled to convert their advantage in the hits column to runs in this game. Their only runs coming from solo home runs by hitters Zachariah Wanhalla and Domenic Redelius. Anyone else who managed to get themselves on base never managed to find their way home.

Some efficient play by Adelaide was the key to their win here. 3 runs in the 7th sealing the deal as they go up 3-1 in the series. One win away from their second Australian title.



And that's it! ADELAIDE ARE THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONS FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW It was a tight affair as the pitchers from both sides were able to dominate the hitters. Two successive doubles in the 6th ultimately gained Adelaide the winning run. Canberra are done once again, coming up short in the Australian final.

Adelaide move on to the Trans Tasman Classic, they'll face the Bay of Plenty Steamrollers for the second year in a row. Can they do one better than last season?

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2003-04 Trans-Tasman Classic: Bay of Plenty Steamrollers vs Adelaide Zips

Can Bay of Plenty repeat? That's the question on everyone's mind as these two teams prepare to battle out a second straight Trans Tasman Classic. Anyone who has ever won an MVP award is in this series. Rex Dulihanty from Adelaide, and the Mackay Brothers (Ciaran and Finlay) from Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty took it in 5 games last season and they're keen to do it again, we begin the series in their home city of Tauranga.





The solo home run was a peculiar feature of Game One as four of them went into the stands of Baypark Stadium. Only Ciaran Mackay hit a dinger with a runner on base, and that was in the bottom of the 9th as the Steamrollers unsuccessfully tried to mount a comeback.

The Zips draw first blood by grabbing a win on the road!



The Steamrollers bounce back in game two to tie it all up. A flurry of runs by Adelaide in the 6th innings was enough to the bring the game even but Bay of Plenty just respond back with a flurry of runs of their own to take the game out to a 8-4 win.

The series is tied, and moves to Adelaide for the next three games.





What a win! The Adelaide Zips have grabbed the lead in this series with a walk-off hit win in a game that went back and forth throughout.

Bay of Plenty's Ciaran Mackay kicked off early with a 3-run home run in the first to establish their intentions but the Zips kept chipping away to sneak away with the win in the end.



The home runs fell from the sky in game four! Finlay Mackay has been quiet during these playoffs but he unleashed today for the Steamrollers, he sent a solo home run out in the first, and then a 2-run home run in the fifth, his brother Ciaran Mackay immediately followed that one up with a dinger of his own. A 3-run home run from Domenic Sheelah in the 7th helped pad that lead for the Steamrollers.

Down 4 runs going into the 9th, the Zips fought back with a home run of their own helping to tie it all up and force extra innings on the game.

It was yet another home run from Bay of Plenty that proved to be the winning run, as Jai Blackadder hit one in the stands on the 2nd pitch of the 10th innings.

The series is tied up at 2-all.



Bay of Plenty's Finlay Mackay put in his all for his team but the Steamrollers fell short as the Zips narrowly took game five and are now one win away from the title.

Mackay went 5-5 with a home run and a double but not enough. The series moves to Tauranga for the final two games.



What a collapse! After 5 amazing games, the final game of the season turns into a bloodbath as the Zips run riot over the Steamrollers in an astonishing 20-3 win over the defending champions. It started off well enough for the Steamrollers, with a 2-run home run from Finlay Mackay but after that, the Bay of Plenty pitchers couldn't contain the Adelaide hitters.

THE ADELAIDE ZIPS ARE THE 2003-04 RUSSELL CROWE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS

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2003-04 Stat Leaders

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2003-04 Award Winners

Kiwi Conference Winners



Runner-ups: Finlay Mackay (Bay of Plenty) *, Willem Wellby (Taranaki)

We could see a lot of competition between MacLeod and Mackay for this prize over the next few years. MacLeod is only 25 with Mackay 27. MacLeod was the runner-up last season, when Mackay won.



Runner-ups: Randolph D'Antonio (Otago) **, Rex Uridge (Northland)

Tye Boxsell breaks up Randolph D'Antonio's hold on this award for the last two seasons.

Rookie of the Year: Sulayman de Klerk (Taranaki)

Runner-ups: Zachariah van Breda (Hawke's Bay), Rhys Macdonald (Bay of Plenty)

Reliever of the Year: Fdrat Lambregts (Hawke's Bay) **

Runner-ups: Apekaloma Vaka (Northland), Domenic Mackay (Waikato)

Fan Favourite: Tye Jeffes (Taranaki) **

Runner-ups: Randolph Alport (Waikato), Ciaran Macleod (Northland)

Great Glove Award
P Mackenzie Mackay (Taranaki)
C Tye Gaynon (Waikato)
1B Zachariah van Breda (Hawke's Bay)
2B Domenic Gordam (Auckland)
3B Jai Mcnatty (Otago)
SS Zachariah Crossingham (Hawke's Bay)
LF Randolph Akhurst (Auckland)
CF Kouyuu Heijen (Auckland)
RF Rex Bendeich (Northland)

Platinum Stick Award
P Rico Bradnock (Bay of Plenty) *
C Tye Gaynon (Waikato)
1B Baden Hutchence (Auckland) *
2B Tye Jeffes (Taranaki) *
3B Ciaran Macleod (Northland) *
SS Jai van Haren (Taranaki) *
LF Willem Wellby (Taranaki) *
CF Ciaran Mackay (Hawke's Bay)
RF Finlay Mackay (Bay of Plenty) *

Kangaroo Conference Winners



Runner-ups: Domenic Redelius (Canberra), Rex Dulihanty (Adelaide) **



Runner-ups: Baden Blackadder (Canberra), Baden Wonnocott (Newcastle)

Rookie of the Year: Zachariah Bristcoe (Bendigo)

Runner-ups: Domenic Crossingham (Newcastle), Seb Cargeeg (Bendigo)

Reliever of the Year: Randolph Layland (Newcastle)

Runner-ups: Baden Sambandan (Geelong), Jai dejong (Tasmania) *

Fan Favourite: Rex Dulihanty (Adelaide) *

Runner-ups: Domenic Redelius (Canberra) *, Vaughan Eylkelbosch (Geelong)

Great Glove Award
P Baden Duncalf (Adelaide)
C Baden Colcott (Bendigo)
1B Zachariah Bristcoe (Bendigo)
2B Shan-Bo Tsu (Newcastle)
3B Domenic Dethridge (Melbourne) *
SS Yun-Ti Shuang (Canberra)
LF Hui Phan (Melbourne)
CF Vaughan Courcha (Tasmania) *
RF Tye Lapthorne (Tasmania)

Platinum Stick Award
P Vaughan Degruchy (Queensland)
C Zachariah Caporn (Newcastle) *
1B Domenic Acret (Adelaide)
2B Zachariah Tautor (Sydney City) *
3B Vaughan Eykelbosch (Geelong)
SS Vaughan Throsby (Geelong) *
LF Domenic Redelius (Canberra) *
CF Rex Dulihanty (Adelaide) **
RF Tye Lapthorne (Tasmania) **

* = Previous Winner of the Award

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Season & Career Leaders

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2004 Offseason

THE ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLAR MAN
Bay of Plenty's Right Fielder Finlay Mackay was pretty disgusted as his side fell to pieces in Game 6 of the Trans-Tasman Classic. His 2 home runs in that game provided the only runs in that 20-3 defeat for the Steamrollers.

So it came as no surprise when he elected to use the opt-out clause in his contract, he likely would have done that anyway, he's a top player in the game after all and should be paid like it but that loss may have proved the impetus for Mackay to truly look elsewhere to ply his talents.

It was the Taranaki Bulls that ended up winning that battle, signing him to a $110m contract over 6 years. He joins Geelong's Vaughan Eykelbosch and Otago's Randolph D'antonio in the $100m+ club.

This gives Taranaki three of the best hitters in the country as he joins Tye Jeffes (3 time All-Star and 2-time Platinum Stick winner) and Willem Wellby (2 time All-Star and 2-time Platinum Stick winner) in the lineup.

New Plymouth has decided to bill itself as "The Home of Home Runs". Expect a lot of them in the upcoming season as they hope to reach the playoffs for the first time.




DOMENIC REDELIUS HEADS OFF TO THE TIGERS
After being something of an icon for the Canberra Power these last three seasons, Domenic Redelius has made the move to Tasmania. Over the first three seasons, no Australian team has picked up more wins and Redelius was an integral part of that.

Losing two Australian finals in a row to the Adelaide Zips has taken its toll and Redelius was keen for greener pastures to mount a fresh challenge for the title. There are some talented figures in Tasmania, from Right Fielder Tye Lapthorne (Rookie of the Year, 2 time All-Star, 3-time Platinum Stick Winner), Starter Willem Guyatt (Pitcher of the Year, 3 time All-Star) to Closer Jai Dejong (Reliever of the Year, 2-time All-Star), this is team ready to make some noise.




CANTERBURY, WELLINGTON, MELBOURNE: READY TO RISE?
None of these teams signed up any superstars over the offseason but they made a number of tidy acquisitions over the break to help improve their chances of success. Melbourne, has quietly revamped their entire pitching rotation while Wellington and Canterbury have bought in some veterans to shore up their offense. It remains to be seen if giving 34 year olds big 5 year old contracts will end up being worth it though.

RETIREMENT PARTY
Zachariah Atteridge calculated that the $18m he earned over these last three years were good enough for him and elected to retire rather than seek a new contract. He was a handy contributor for the Taranaki Bulls and will be missed. He finishes his career holding the career records for hits, singles, and doubles for the Taranaki side as well as the single-season record for doubles.




OSA RANKS THE HITTERS


Vaughan Eykelbosch has pipped Finlay Mackay for the #1 spot this season.

In: Ravichandran Prudvi (30 yrs old), Domenic Dethridge (27 yrs old)

Out: Willem Robilliard (29 yrs old), Rex Alldred (31 yrs old)

OSA RANKS THE PITCHERS


Tye Boxsell retains his #1 ranking for the third year running. In rather terrifying news for Australia, the top 9 pitchers in this list are from New Zealand. Baden Colcott from Geelong is the top ranked Australian Pitcher at #10.

In: Rex McLaren (25 yrs old), Baden Wonnocott (27 yrs old), Lin-Chun Tze (27 yrs old), Seb van Noort (32 yrs old), Randolph Owbridge (33 yrs old)

Out: Zachariah Eveson (28 yrs old), Baden Sambandan (40 yrs old), Kazuhito van der Looij (28 yrs old), Vaughan Fingleson (30 yrs old), Vaughan Hovius (29 yrs old)

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2004-05 Season Predictions

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October 2004

16 October, 2004


Russell Crowe is sitting on top of Ayers Rock. Melbourne Sting GM Jai Hewatt arrives. The Sting are at 4-10 for the season to date.

Russell Crowe: Thanks for meeting me here Jai. This is where I achieve true inner calm.
Jai Hewatt: No problem, Russ.
Russell Crowe: Because I have achieved true inner calm, I will be saying this is in the nicest possible way. The team is garbage. You are garbage and I want to push you off this rock.right now.

Hewatt is speechless

Russell Crowe: Man, I like this new calm me. So you're fired. Good luck in your future endeavours.

22 October, 2004
The Shield bounces around a bit in the first month of the season. Tasmania immediately lose it to the Melbourne Sting, they defend it against the Newcastle Ducks and Northland Giants before losing to the Waikato River Bandits.

The River Bandits then immediately lose it to the Otago Thunderbolts, who win it for the first time.

Otago sweep Wellington and will next defend it against the Tasman Sunbirds.

29 October, 2004
Tasmania's Domenic Redelius gets injured running the plates and is out for the next 6 weeks!

Meanwhile, Taranaki's Willem Wellby hits off 3 home runs in his side's 10-4 win over the Illawarra Hawks.

October Award Winners

Kiwi Hitter of the Month: Finlay Mackay (Taranaki) .441 BA with 12 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 28 runs.
Kiwi Pitcher of the Month: Randolph Vankrimpen (Bay of Plenty) 5-0 record. 42 innings pitched with 43 strikeouts and a 1.50 ERA.
Kiwi Rookie of the Month: Randolph Stennings (Hawke's Bay) .378 BA with 37 hits, 1 home run and 9 RBIs.

Kangaroo Hitter of the Month: Willem Robilliard (Bendigo) .386 BA with 6 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 25 runs.
Kangaroo Pitcher of the Month: Willem Guyatt (Tasmania) 4-0 record. 36.2 innings pitched with 29 strikeouts and a 1.96 ERA.
Kangaroo Rookie of the Month: Seb Atteridge (Adelaide) .308 BA with 33 hits, 5 home runs, and 21 RBIs.

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November 2004

7 November, 2004
Taranaki's Tye Jeffes goes for the cycle in a dramatic game against the Geelong Green Sox. With a single in the 1st, triple in the 4th, double in the 6th, and a home run in the 8th he had the Cycle squared away but he wasn't done.

The game was tied up at 10-all after 9, in the 11th Tye Jeffes came up to the plate with bases loaded and blasted a grandslam home run into the crowd -- taking the game away from the Green Sox.

20 November, 2004
Bad news for the Steamrollers. They lost one Mackay Brother to the Taranaki Bulls and now they've lost the other to injury. Ciaran Mackay will miss the next 5-6 weeks with a partially torn labrum.

The Shield
More movement for The Shield, the Otago Thunderbolts defend against the Tasman Sunbirds but lose it to the Bay of Plenty Steamrollers (first time they've held it). They go on to lose it to the Canterbury Red Knights (also first time they've held it).

The Red Knights successfully defend the Shield against the Auckland Aces and will next need to defend it against the Northland Giants in December.

November Award Winners

Kiwi Hitter of the Month: Domenic Atteridge (Canterbury) .390 BA with 6 home runs, 25 RBIs, and 27 runs.
Kiwi Pitcher of the Month: Rhys Mackay (Canterbury) 5-0 record. 34.1 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.52
Kiwi Rookie of the Month: Kian Macdonald (Wellington) .290 BA with 5 doubles, 6 home runs, 14 RBIs, and 16 runs.

Kangaroo Hitter of the Month: Seb Belgrove (Tasmania) .333 BA with 9 home runs and 21 RBIs.
Kangaroo Pitcher of the Month: Willem Backhouse (Canberra) 2-0 record and 7 saves. 16.2 innings pitched with 19 strikeouts and a 0.54 ERA.
Kangaroo Rookie of the Month: Tye Hudswell (Queensland) .325 BA with 5 home runs and 16 RBIs.

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December 2004

7 December, 2004
Tye Lapthorne (Tasmania) already holds the hitting streak record at 34 games but he's keen to break that as he's up to 25 right now!

10 December, 2004


An Australian High Schooler watches the film Napoleon Dynamite. He is so inspired that he gets his name legally changed to that of the title character.

14 December, 2004
Unfortunately, Lapthorne's streak dies at 29 when he goes hitless against the Illawarra Hawks.

15 December, 2004
Canterbury are successful in their Shield defenses against Northland and Tasman but get undone by the Taranaki Bulls thanks to an 11th innings double by Finlay Mackay to grab the series win. Despite all his success, this is the first time that Mackay has been with a team to hold the Shield. They next defend it in January.

December Awards

Kiwi Hitter of the Month: Rex Wellby (Otago) .370 BA with 8 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 16 runs.
Kiwi Pitcher of the Month: Randolph Alport (Waikato) 4-1 record. 32 innings pitched with 35 strikeouts and a 1.97 ERA.
Kiwi Rookie of the Month: Rex Atteridge (Canterbury) .250 BA with 5 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 14 runs.

Kangaroo Hitter of the Month: Zachariah Buckby (Queensland) .356 BA with 9 home runs, 21 RBIs, and 17 runs.
Kangaroo Pitcher of the Month: Jai Saggers (Newcastle) 5-0 record. 35.2 innings pitched with 27 stikeouts and a 1.51 ERA.
Kangaroo Rookie of the Month: Zachariah Buckby (Queensland)

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2004 Draft

We'll cover the top 3 picks from Australia and New Zealand teams...

Australia

With the #1 Pick, the Sydney City Sharks select Ryan Joyce




The Dump Truck had a stellar season with Caulfield Grammar in 2003, winning MVP and Pitcher of the Year. The Sharks signed him up with a $1.5m bonus.

With the #3 Pick, the Illawarra Hawks select Jing-Quo Zhao




Zhao was a huge star for the University of Queensland. 2 Championships, 2 MVP awards, 2 Fielding Awards, 2 Best Hitter Awards, 8 Player of the Week awards, 3 Batter of the Month awards, 8 6+ RBI games, and 7 Grand Slams. The Hawks signed him up for a $1.2m bonus.

With the #4 Pick, the Queensland Firebirds select Domenic Cargeeg




The Truth was drafted last year by the Adelaide Zips with the 19th overall pick but the two ultimately couldn't work things out. He was quick to settle with the Firebirds though, taking only 6 days to sign a contract with a $885k bonus.

New Zealand

With the #2 Pick, the Wellington Lions select Domenic Brigatti




The Lions pick up local university sensation Domenic Brigatti with their pick. A dual MVP/Pitcher of the Year for the 2003 season. However, Brigatti and the Lions failed to make a deal so we'll see Brigatti in the draft next season.

With the #5 Pick, the Canterbury Red Knights select Ciaran Macrae




Macrae is a latecomer to baseball, only recording the one year in high school. But that was good enough for Canterbury to snap him up and throw a $1.8m bonus his way.

With the #6 Pick, the Tasman Sunbirds select Jason Novicki




Only one year in high school ball but Novicki was a member of the Southland Boys High School that won the New Zealand Championship. He picked up a $2m bonus from Tasman.

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2004-05 All-Star Game



Geelong is the host of this season's All-Star Game!

Kiwi Conference All-Stars
SP Baden Belgrove (WAI) - 7-4, 2.42 ERA, 104.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Tye Boxsell (AUC) - 5-5, 3.31 ERA, 89.2 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 12.5 K/9, 3.3 WAR *
SP Jai Fewings (BOP) - 3-6, 2.76 ERA, 94.2 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 9.5 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Hiilani Mallaganee (TAR) - 7-4, 2.80 ERA, 83.2 IP, 1.29 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Karmatman Prithviraj (OTA) - 7-2, 2.32 ERA, 104.2 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, 2.1 WAR *
SP Ichirou Twisk (TSM) - 6-6, 2.86 ERA, 110.0 IP, 0.98 WHIP, 6.3 K/9, 2.6 WAR *
SP Rex Uridge (NOR) - 8-2, 2.94 ERA, 101.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 3.3 WAR ***
SP Randolph Vankrimpen (BOP) - 11-0, 1.42 ERA, 108.0 IP, 0.85 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 3.8 WAR ***
RP Willem Blackadder (HB) - 2-0, 0.53 ERA, 50.2 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 6.0 K/9, 0.9 WAR
RP Jai Culaham (AUC) - 3-0, 1.70 ERA, 42.1 IP, 0.85 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 1.2 WAR **
RP Willem Macdonald (HB) - 2-1, 1.60 ERA, 39.1 IP, 0.89 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 1.4 WAR *
RP Wei-qiang Shang (CAN) - 0-0, 5 SV, 1.85 ERA, 34.0 IP, 0.94 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 1.1 WAR
CL Willem Gordam (CAN) - 1-0, 19 SV, 0.31 ERA, 28.2 IP, 0.98 WHIP, 14.8 K/9, 1.1 WAR **
CL Fšrat Lambregts (HB) - 3-2, 15 SV, 1.18 ERA, 38.0 IP, 0.89 WHIP, 13.0 K/9, 1.9 WAR **
CL Yen Ouwerkerk (OTA) - 2-1, 21 SV, 1.63 ERA, 38.2 IP, 0.70 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 1.2 WAR *
CL Baden Sambandan (WAI) - 1-1, 22 SV, 2.20 ERA, 32.2 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 11.0 K/9, 1.2 WAR **
C Tye Gaynon (WAI) - .316/.359/.492, 250 AB, 7 HR, 130 wRC+, 2.5 WAR *
C Hou-kang Goei (CAN) - .315/.420/.488, 162 AB, 7 HR, 158 wRC+, 2.2 WAR **
C Rangi Goolagong (BOP) - .322/.379/.447, 208 AB, 4 HR, 134 wRC+, 2.1 WAR *
1B Domenic Brusnahan (OTA) - .289/.421/.563, 270 AB, 21 HR, 5 SB, 160 wRC+, 3.3 WAR **
1B Kātip Hulleman (CAN) - .305/.391/.504, 272 AB, 10 HR, 145 wRC+, 2.2 WAR ***
1B Jai Sverdloff (TAR) - .323/.375/.502, 257 AB, 10 HR, 141 wRC+, 1.8 WAR *
2B Domenic Atteridge (CAN) - .287/.372/.478, 314 AB, 9 HR, 10 SB, 134 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
2B Seb van der Molen (WEL) - .286/.356/.519, 283 AB, 18 HR, 1 SB, 139 wRC+, 2.5 WAR *
3B Kian Macdonald (WEL) - .280/.341/.485, 264 AB, 14 HR, 127 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
3B Ciaran Macleod (NOR) - .342/.397/.590, 295 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 176 wRC+, 3.9 WAR ***
3B Domenic Woodger (HB) - .278/.353/.464, 295 AB, 14 HR, 124 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
SS Jai van Haren (WEL) - .326/.418/.540, 215 AB, 8 HR, 3 SB, 157 wRC+, 3.2 WAR **
LF Teyo van Keulen (NOR) - .307/.371/.531, 277 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 151 wRC+, 2.5 WAR *
LF Willem Wellby (TAR) - .287/.372/.570, 293 AB, 21 HR, 1 SB, 154 wRC+, 2.9 WAR **
CF Ciaran Mackay (HB) - .300/.361/.548, 303 AB, 17 HR, 10 SB, 146 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
RF Finlay Mackay (TAR) - .387/.477/.752, 282 AB, 24 HR, 2 SB, 233 wRC+, 5.5 WAR **
RF Jalasa Paramartha (NOR) - .280/.403/.542, 271 AB, 21 HR, 2 SB, 165 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
RF Jai Prabhath (WAI) - .329/.381/.526, 304 AB, 8 HR, 1 SB, 154 wRC+, 2.7 WAR *
RF Rex Wellby (OTA) - .345/.444/.566, 267 AB, 15 HR, 179 wRC+, 4.0 WAR **

Represented Teams: Canterbury (5), Hawke's Bay (5), Northland (4), Otago (4), Taranaki (4), Waikato (4), Bay of Plenty (3), Wellington (3), Auckland (2), Tasman (1)

Kangaroo Conference All-Stars
SP Domenic Bendeich (GEE) - 4-4, 1.81 ERA, 74.2 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 1.0 WAR
SP Baden Colcott (GEE) - 6-6, 2.98 ERA, 96.2 IP, 1.28 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 1.4 WAR
SP Vaughan Fingleson (QLD) - 5-8, 3.77 ERA, 86.0 IP, 1.28 WHIP, 10.2 K/9, 2.2 WAR **
SP Willem Guyatt (TAS) - 8-3, 3.05 ERA, 94.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, 2.1 WAR ***
SP Seb Hanscombe (GEE) - 6-5, 1.96 ERA, 92.0 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, 1.8 WAR ***
SP Tye Kuai (ADE) - 3-3, 2.26 ERA, 63.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 7.1 K/9, 1.9 WAR
SP Rex Mclaren (TAS) - 9-3, 2.37 ERA, 98.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, 3.2 WAR **
SP Jai Saggers (NEW) - 8-1, 2.89 ERA, 96.2 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 1.5 WAR
RP Jai D'antonio (ADE) - 3-0, 1.51 ERA, 35.2 IP, 0.98 WHIP, 6.3 K/9, 0.8 WAR
CL Willem Backhouse (CNB) - 3-0, 21 SV, 0.21 ERA, 43.0 IP, 0.72 WHIP, 10.3 K/9, 2.0 WAR **
CL Seb Collingridge (ILL) - 2-2, 20 SV, 2.29 ERA, 35.1 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 0.7 WAR
CL Jai dejong (TAS) - 0-0, 23 SV, 1.53 ERA, 35.1 IP, 0.76 WHIP, 12.0 K/9, 1.7 WAR **
CL Randolph layland (NEW) - 2-2, 18 SV, 1.55 ERA, 40.2 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 1.2 WAR *
CL Domenic Weichard (BEN) - 0-1, 12 SV, 1.01 ERA, 26.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.5 WAR
C Tye Bursill (ILL) - .316/.414/.480, 225 AB, 6 HR, 153 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
C Zachariah Caporn (NEW) - .324/.388/.480, 250 AB, 7 HR, 141 wRC+, 2.7 WAR ***
C Zachariah layland (MEL) - .311/.375/.504, 244 AB, 7 HR, 142 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
1B Seb Belgrove (TAS) - .303/.396/.585, 287 AB, 23 HR, 2 SB, 165 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
1B Domenic Crossingham (NEW) - .297/.377/.521, 286 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 146 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
2B Rex Alldred (QLD) - .286/.409/.543, 276 AB, 16 HR, 3 SB, 155 wRC+, 2.9 WAR *
2B Willem Bristcoe (CNB) - .323/.396/.461, 297 AB, 6 HR, 143 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
2B Zachariah Tautor (SYD) - .305/.383/.604, 275 AB, 21 HR, 171 wRC+, 2.4 WAR **
3B Vaughan Eykelbosch (GEE) - .300/.411/.611, 280 AB, 21 HR, 177 wRC+, 4.5 WAR ***
3B Willem Robilliard (BEN) - .346/.402/.490, 306 AB, 8 HR, 7 SB, 145 wRC+, 2.7 WAR ***
3B Zachariah Wanhalla (CNB) - .316/.400/.491, 285 AB, 9 HR, 145 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
SS Willem Boxsell (QLD) - .339/.387/.441, 313 AB, 3 HR, 19 SB, 131 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
SS Yin-ti Shuang (CNB) - .267/.385/.432, 273 AB, 7 HR, 1 SB, 120 wRC+, 2.4 WAR **
LF Seb Buckby (BEN) - .344/.424/.545, 299 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 161 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
LF Domenic Redelius (TAS) - .349/.465/.563, 126 AB, 6 HR, 1 SB, 177 wRC+, 1.8 WAR ***
LF Baden Stennings (ILL) - .306/.377/.514, 284 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 143 wRC+, 2.3 WAR **
CF Vaughan Courcha (TAS) - .298/.358/.464, 332 AB, 8 HR, 24 SB, 118 wRC+, 3.7 WAR **
CF Rex Dulihanty (ADE) - .333/.403/.495, 309 AB, 7 HR, 149 wRC+, 3.1 WAR ***
RF Tye Si-ma (NEW) - .364/.408/.582, 184 AB, 7 HR, 16 SB, 178 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
RF Willem Woodger (SYD) - .326/.413/.505, 285 AB, 8 HR, 1 SB, 158 wRC+, 3.1 WAR ***

Represented Teams: Tasmania (6), Newcastle (5), Canberra (4), Geelong (4), Adelaide (3), Bendigo (3), Illawarra (3), Queensland (3), Sydney City (2), Melbourne (1)

The Kangaroo All-Stars win the game 5-3. Domenic Redelius is named player of the game with 2 home runs.

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2005 Queenstown Classic

The Waikato River Bandits take out the annual one-loss-and-you're-done competition by defeating the Tasmania Tigers in the final 4-0. A 3-run home run in the 4th by Waikato Catcher Tye Gaynon is the highlight of the final, largely dominated by the pitchers.

It was a relatively easy trip to the final for the River Bandits, as they defeated the Canterbury Red Knights 7-2, the Auckland Aces 5-1, and the Bendigo Gold Rush 12-5.

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January 2005

6 January, 2005
An interesting trade between Adelaide and Geelong sees 2002-03's Rookie of the Year Cf Willem Robilliard in green colours in exchange for 2B Rex Mcquade plus an unlikely minor league prospect. Rumours state that Robilliard was not happy to be traded away from the defending champions -- even if they are just down the road.

11 January, 2005
Tye Boxsell put in an astonishing performance against the Taranaki Bulls as his side picked up a 5-0 win. He produced 20 strikeouts over 9 innings and only conceded one hit and 2 walks over that stretch.

He absolutely smashed his own record (16) for strikeouts in a game.

16 January, 2005
Once of the more absurd games in RCI history happened between the Adelaide Zips and the Newcastle Ducks, with the Zips winning 25-1. The game included 12 runs in the 5th innings as the Zips nearly went through the entire order twice and the sight of the Ducks using 12 different pitchers throughout the game. Including their 4-time All-Star Catcher Zachariah Caporn.

Left Fielder Domenic Allomes might be forever left with an 81.00 ERA for the rest of his career to his name after being asked to throw 30 pitches.

What on earth happened here?

17 January, 2005
Adelaide make an interesting move by acquiring 2-time All-Star Catcher Willem Fouracre from the Melbourne Sting in exchange for a decent young reliever in Jai Pratly plus a promising prospect that the Zips picked up at #39 in the draft. Good move for both sides, Fouracre had fallen behind young Melbourne catcher Zachariah Layland in the pecking order (Melbourne's only contribution to the All-Star team) but he can contribute to the Adelaide team and shore up their main weakness.

22 January, 2005
Bad news for the table-topping Otago Thunderbolts. They've lost big hitting Domenic Brusnahan for the next 4-5 weeks. The 36 year old first baseman and 3-time all-star had been hitting at .291/.422/.555 with 22 home runs to date.

The Shield
The Taranaki Bulls hold off challenges from the Tasman Sunbirds, Bay of Plenty Steamrollers, and the Otago Thunderbolts to continue holding The Shield until February. They'll next defend it against the Hawke's Bay Vikings before hosting a series of Australian teams keen to take it across the ditch: Illawarra, Bendigo, and Geelong.

Stat Watch

50+ Home Runs? Northland's Jalasa Paramartha is currently projected to get 52 and Wellington's Senri van Oosten 51.

150+ RBIs? Otago's Rex Wellby is well ahead of everyone else and is projected to get 152.

20+ Wins? Bay of Plenty's Randolph Vankrimpen has been on fire this season with a 15-1 record that projects out to a massive 27 wins.

January Award Winners

Kiwi Hitter of the Month: Jalasa Paramartha (Northland) .347 BA with 8 home runs, 19 RBIs and 19 runs.
Kiwi Pitcher of the Month: Randolph Vankrimpen (Bay of Plenty) 4-1 record. 24.1 innings pitched with 18 strikeouts and a 1.85 ERA.
Kiwi Rookie of the Month: Tye Bansfield (Hawke's Bay) .380 BA with 6 doubles, 3 home runs, 14 RBIs and 14 runs.

Kangaroo Hitter of the Month: Seb Atteridge (Adelaide) .333 BA with 9 home runs, 21 RBIs and 21 runs.
Kangaroo Pitcher of the Month: Baden Colcott (Geelong) 4-0 record. 30.2 innings pitched with 25 strikeouts and a 0.29 ERA.
Kangaroo Rookie of the Month: Seb Atteridge (Adelaide)





It's tremendously close in New Zealand with any of the top 8 teams still in for the hunt here. In Australia, Tasmania has started to eek out a lead and Newcastle has put some significant distance between them and the rest of the pack.

Queensland and Canberra are also in useful positions for playoff spots.

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February 2005

16 February, 2005
Big day at the ballpark for Illawarra LF Baden Stennings as he provided the difference for the Hawks in their 9-3 win over the Tasman Tigers. His three home runs in the 5th, 8th, and 9th provided 6 RBIs to take the game out of the reach from the table toppers.

The Shield
The Taranaki Bulls lost The Shield in dramatic fashion to the Hawke's Bay Vikings. Game 1 saw the Vikings pick up the winning run in the 9th innings, a position the Bulls should have never been in but for fielding errors throughout the game that directly led to runs.

9 runs in the 8th innings by the Vikings catapulted them to a 11-6 win in game 2. That included 2 home runs with 2 outs notched up.

Taranaki won the third game but it was too late, the Shield was heading to the Hawke's Bay!

Auckland was the first challenger for Hawke's Bay but lost. Northland Giants will challenge in March.

February Award Winners

Kiwi Hitter of the Month: Rhys Macleod (Canterbury) .366 BA with 7 home runs, 18 RBIs, and 23 runs.
Kiwi Pitcher of the Month: Liu-Chun Tze (Bay of Plenty) 4-0 record. 35.1 innings pitched with 26 strikeouts and a 2.04 ERA.
Kiwi Rookie of the Month: Rex Atteridge (Canterbury) .343 BA with 7 doubles, 4 home runs, 21 RBIs and 13 runs.

Kangaroo Hitter of the Month: Seb Buckby (Bendigo) .389 BA with 6 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 20 runs.
Kangaroo Pitcher of the Month: Seb Hanscombe (Geelong) 4-0 record. 32.1 innings pitched with 35 strikeouts and a 1.67 ERA.
Kangaroo Rookie of the Month: Seb Gllorn (Melbourne) .364 BA with 3 home runs, 14 RBIs, and 16 runs.





The Tasmania Tigers have opened up a big lead in Australia and the Melbourne Sting have jumped into the playoffs on the back of a 18-6 record over February. The defending champions have slipped to 8th spot in Australia.

In New Zealand, there's a three-way tie for first! Otago, Taranaki, and Auckland are all on a 66-51 record and have a lot more teams breathing down their necks. Exciting times in New Zealand!