Wyevale, ON
Minesing Claims Top Spot in SRFL.
With playoffs set to start next Thursday (Aug 10), the top 3 teams in the Simcoe Rural Fastball League have been determined, while there could be some jockeying for position in the bottom half with a few make up games still needing to be played over the next few days, the first round match-ups are basically set.
Finishing 1st with an overall record of 16-2, was the Minesing Orange Shirts. Minesing has been in first all year long, and opened the season with 12 straight victories. A couple of losses to Wyevale late in the season ruined their chances at the perfect season, but last year’s champs will be the favorites going into the playoffs again this year.
Taking 2nd place on the last day of the season was the Wyevale Tribe with a record of 14-3-1. A win against Minesing, coupled with a Vasey tie, left the Wyevale Tribe a single point ahead of Vasey in the standings. Last year’s runner up will be in tough with their potential 2nd round matchup against Vasey. Vasey was the only team the Tribe couldn’t muster up a win against this year going 0-2-1 against them.
Finishing 3rd was the always tough Vasey Countrymen with a record of 13-3-2. Vasey stuggled against Minesing this year (0-3), but dominated Wyevale (2-0-1). The 2004 Champs look to get back into the finals this year, to redeem their semi final loss last year. Led both at the plate and on the mound by Brad Robinson, the Countrymen are poised for a long playoff run.
Taking 4th spot will be the scrappy Perkinsfield Bantus. Perkinsfield was near perfect against the bottom half of the league, while they couldn’t convert on some opportunities to knock off the top teams. Perkinsfield will most likely be pitted against the Toanche Jr Eagles in the first round of the playoffs. This should be a good series, with the winner taking on the 1st place team from Minesing. Perkinsfield can jump up and bite you at any time, they look to be the dark horse this year.
Finishing in 5th will be the Toanche Jr Eagles. Toanche started off the season slow, but has turned on the heat lately. A tie against Vasey, and a narrow 5-4 loss to Wyevale can attest to that. Toanche will all their youthful exuberance is another team that can be scary when they get on a roll. Look for them to play Perkinsfield tight in the first round, with the winner of that series assuming the role of underdog for the remainder of the playoffs.
Winding up in 6th spot will be the Uhthoff Nationals. Uhthoff is one of those teams that when their pitching is on can compete with anybody. Not sure if Mike Crawford is playoff eligible, but if he is, look for him to cause the Vasey some fits in the 1st round. If Crawford is not eligible, Ted Conway can shut down any lineup on any given night. Look for their sticks to be their determining factor. If they get some clutch hits in clutch situations they could do some damage.
Taking 7th spot will be the newly formed Wyebridge Wildcats. In their first season in the SRFL wins were hard to come by for the Wildcats. Other than the Nationals, the Wyebridge team seemed to compete best with the Wyevale Tribe. The Tribe will need to be on the top of its game in the first round especially with ace Jason Giffen in
First Round – Game #1 (Aug 10) - Probable Match Ups & Starters:
Wyevale (G McNabb) v Wyebridge (A Gignac)
Vasey (J Phillips) v Uhthoff (T Conway)
Perkinsfield (J Robitaille) v Toanche (G Patenaude)
Michael Kelly
