Teams hit it off at tourney
First game in eight years drew teams from Fort Providence, Fort Smith
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 3, 2015
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fort Smith came out victorious as four teams faced off at the baseball diamonds in Fort Simpson during the Two Rivers slo-pitch tournament.
Brian Dyck high-fives his teammates on his way to home base after hitting a home run in the final game. - April Hudson/NNSL photo
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The tournament ran from Aug. 28 to 30 and attracted teams from Fort Smith and Fort Providence, as well as two local teams from Fort Simpson. Teams had a minimum of 10 players, with the largest roster numbering 14 players.
Fort Smith's winning team, the Brute Force Bears, included Jessica Coleman, Shawna Coleman, Allie McDonald, Curtis Sinclair, Pat Morris, Kiel Krutko, Vince Kurszewski, Charles Lepine, Veronica Bonnetrouge, Brian Dyck and Blue Bourke.
Team members said the home run competition was helpful to their win, as well as some lucky plays.
"The double plays really helped us out," said Jessica Coleman, referencing plays in their final match against Darlene's Devils, during which they managed at least two outs with one ball.
The game kicked off on the first evening with the two local teams, Darlene's Devils and Rowes, facing off against each other. Rowes scored a tight 10-9 win over Darlene's Devils.
On Aug. 29, the tournament began in earnest at 10 a.m. with the F.P. Grand Slams playing against Fort Smith's Brute Force Bears in a 4-19 loss. Following that, the Brute Force Bears played Darlene's Devils and won 18-1. At 2 p.m., Rowes played F.P. Grand Slams for a 21-5 win.
Teams broke off well into the afternoon to play a home run competition before reconvening for matches.
In the last two games of the day, Darlene's Devils scored a win against F.P. Grand Slams and Rowes lost out 10-25 to the Brute Force Bears.
The evening of Aug. 29 wrapped up with a dance at the recreation centre.
Over the course of the tournament, viewers relaxed in the beer gardens, where food and drink were served.
Aug. 30 began with the semifinals as Brute Force Bears faced off successfully against F.P. Grand Slams and Darlene's Devils scored a win over Rowes.
Finals began at 4 p.m. and Fort Smith came out on top, scoring 15-5 against second-place team Darlene's Devils. Rowes took the consolation prize. Cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 went to the placing teams.
"The entire tournament went really well. It's been eight years since we've had a ball tournament," said recreation co-ordinator Nathan McPherson. "It was awesome to see teams come from out of town to play."
The weekend was made even more successful by warm weather and dry conditions held out, giving way to rain shortly after the tournament ended.
"It got really hot on Aug. 28. It was probably 20 C out," McPherson said.
Prizes went out to top batters and most valuable players. Top male batter was Darren Hardisty, while top female hitter was Jessica Coleman. For most valuable player, Veronica Bonnetrouge took women's while Owen Rowe took men's.
