The last out has been called and the Richibucto Anchors have emerged as the 2007 Robert Blacquier Memorial Fast Pitch Softball Tournament Champions. The Fast-Pitch action seen this weekend in Nelson was as good as the weather experienced as one couldn�t ask for a better weekend for ball at the Gerald King Memorial Ball Field.
After the Round Robin in the Bud Divsion the Nelson Schooners had earned a 3-0 record and a bye to the Semi-Finals. Finishing in 2nd were the Depanneur Martin Braves at 2-1, in 3rd the Coady St, O&C�s going 1-2, and the Blackville 49�ers were eliminated from playoff contention going 0-3. In the Blue Division, the Richibucto Anchors earned their bye to the semis by also posting a 3-0 record. In 2nd were the Fredericton Masters at 2-1, in 3rd the Miramichi Jr. Vics at 1-2, and the Loggiville Eagles failed to make the playoff round going 0-3.
In the first cross-over game the Miramichi Jr. Vics rallied to defeat the Depanneur Martin Braves by a score of 9-8 to move onto the semis. In the next cross-over the Fredericton Masters held on for the 5-4 victory over the Coady St. O&C�s.
In Semi-final action the Richibucto Anchors earned a place in the Championship by defeating the Miramichi Jr. Vics 20-8. In the other semi the Nelson Schooners were turned away by the Fredericton Masters 7-3 setting up the final game.
In the Championship Fredericton had a chance to defend their title, winning the annual tournament in both 2005 and 2006. However Richibucto were able to claim their first title by a score of 4-1. The Anchors jumped out to an early lead touching up Fredericton�s Brad Cameron in the first. After that, both teams played tight defensively and runs were hard to manufacture. Jeremy Arsenault put in a strong pitching performance for the Anchors earning the win.
The Nelson Softball Association would like to congratulate Richibucto on their win and thank all teams for providing some great fast pitch softball action this weekend. They hope to see all the teams back for next year whether they�re from right here in Nelson or all the way from Quebec for another crack at the title. A special thanks to all volunteers who helped around the field or in the canteen. It is these people who truly make this event even possible and so successful.
Blue |
Bud |
Richibucto Anchors, 3-0 |
Nelson Schooners 3-0 |
Fredericton Masters, 2-1 |
Depanneur Martin Braves, 2-1 |
Miramichi Junior Vics 1-2 |
Cody St. O&C's, 1-2 | Loggieville, 0-3 |
Blackville 49's, 0-3 |
Day |
Time |
Field |
Teams |
Score |
Friday |
6:30PM |
King |
Blackville Vs. Nelson Schooners |
1-8 |
8:00PM |
King |
Miramichi Jrs. Vs. Loggieville Eagles |
3-2 |
|
9:30PM |
King |
Coady St. Vs. Depanneur Martin Braves |
5-7 |
|
Saturday |
11:00AM |
King |
Fredericton Vs. Loggieville Eagles |
7-5 |
Saturday |
11:00AM |
Doyle |
Nelson Schooners Vs. Coady St. |
3-2 |
12:30PM |
King |
Fredericton Vs. Richibucto |
3-6 |
|
12:30PM |
Doyle |
Depanneur Martin Braves Vs. Blackville |
9-8 |
|
2:00PM |
King |
Miramichi Jrs. Vs. Richibucto |
5-11 |
|
2:00PM |
Doyle |
Blackville Vs. Coady St. |
0-10 |
|
3:30PM |
King |
Nelson Schooners Vs. Depanneur Martin Braves |
5-1 |
|
5:00PM |
King |
Fredericton Vs. Miramichi Jrs. |
16-0 |
|
6:30PM |
King |
Loggieville Eagles Vs. Richibucto |
1-12 |
Sunday |
10:00AM |
Game A |
#3 Blue- Miramichi Jr. Vics Vs. # 2 Bud- Depanneur Martin Braves |
9-8 |
11:30AM |
Game B |
#2 Blue- Fredericton Vs. #3 Bud- Coady St. O&C's |
5-4 |
|
1:00PM |
Game C |
Winner Game A- Miramichi Jr. Vics Vs. #1 Blue- Richibucto Anchors |
8-20 |
|
2:30PM |
Game D |
Winner Game B- Fredericton Masters Vs. #1 Bud- Nelson Schooners |
7-3 |
|
4:00PM |
Championship |
Winner Game C- Richibucto Anchors Vs. Winner Game D- Fredericton Masters |
4-1 |