The FNC U/16 Baseball team has taken out the NSW U/16 Country Baseball Championships in Coffs Harbour over the long weekend.

The team trained in cricket nets, on tennis courts and at touch football fields. For ten months, Clint McCarthy the head coach of FNC U/16s has had a plan - to be ready for the Country Championships.

The boys despite their home field, Albert Park, still largely being a construction zone arrived in Coffs Harbour ready to play. The boys missed a complete winter season, they played four scrimmage games on the Gold Coast in the lead up to the event. So the players were keen to play on Saturday morning.

But of course, the first day was rain delayed.

The team was grateful to be able to play their first game late Saturday afternoon and came away with a 7-0 win. Senior players Hamish Weekes, and Riley Cooper dominated with the bat. Hamish hitting two singles, a double and a triple. Riley two singles and a double. Singles from Lachlan O’Sullivan, Nate Boxsell and a single from rookie Kieran Weekes. Catcher Sam Davis was solid behind the plate, making a play at second from the back net, and supported his pitchers Hamish, Lachlan and rookie Dash Fagan who were ultimately too strong for the new development Coffs Squad.

Hamish Weekes fires a pitch in the NSW Country Championships. Photo: Al Connors

The second game on Sunday against Central Coast was a 16-4 win. Again, Weekes led with the bat hitting a single, two doubles and a triple. O’Sullivan also had a single and two doubles and between the two they four RBI’s a piece. Sam Cottee, only having played season of baseball took one for the team Hit by Pitched Ball and scoring twice.

Alex Poole pitched a first innings that was one ball off an immaculate innings, he threw 9 strikes and 1 ball striking out the Central Coast first three batters. Kieran Weekes younger brother of Hamish and assistant Coach Liam Weekes didn’t have to move his glove much catching to Poole.

Connor McCarthy the youngest player on the team at only 13 years, held his own for the tournament pitching in relief throwing, with no walks against Central Coast and also getting a hit. Matt Keys, also having two hits in the game.

Nate Boxsell avoids a high ball. Photo: Al Connors

Errors were costly for Central Coast and FNC took full advantage. Joe Parsons had two hits and three RBI’s. Harry Morgan Spooner, also had a hit.

Monday morning saw both undefeated teams play each other with Far North Coast and Newcastle clashing, but FNC struggled to make contact with only two hits by O'Sullivan and Poole. FNC made mistakes base running, being struck out looking, wild throws in the field and not calling for fly balls in the outfield. They were simply outplayed by Newcastle’s pitching.

The final at 1pm against the undefeated Newcastle was the fairytale FNC were looking for. FNC batted first, with ten runs home in the first innings.

The FNC pitching was too strong for Newcastle, with FNC running out 17-0 winners.

The young men have learned resilience through natural disaster, they have learnt to appreciate baseball more for having not played it. Their win has taught them the rewards of hard work.

Congratulations to Head Coach Clint McCarthy, Paul Boxsell, Liam Weekes and Aurora O’Sullivan on the win. And to the FNC U/16’s team who most certainly deserve the title of NSW Country Champions. (Contributor: Amie Weekes)