Bantam Royals developing well
The Bantam Royals, composed of players from Grade 8 and 9 across the North Island, split their doubleheader with Mid-Island on Saturday.
After winning game one 7-4, they dropped the second game by a score of 8-2. The Royals finished on a losing note getting swept by the Victoria Eagles in two hard fought contests.
“The boys have some adjustments to make but overall are developing well,” commented coach Kurt Bowles.
The Bantam Royals represent communities from Nanoose Bay up to Campbell River, from Port Alberni in the west and Powell River to the east. In most years, it’s a good mix from all areas but it can ebb and flow.
This year the roster has a decidedly Oceanside majority with seven locals making the team. Second year standouts Trevor Nicoll and Jacob Stockton are joined by five first year players, all alumni from Oceanside’s Pee Wee Provincial championship team last season.
In addition to the seven on the Royals, three more Oceanside players made the rosters to play on AAA &AA in Nanaimo and Duncan.”
Junior Royals still finding their form
The Junior Royals were home at Springwood on the weekend and split with Victoria on Sunday after giving up both ends of the doubleheader to White Rock on Saturday.
“The boys played well. Our hitting and pitching is coming along great,” said coach Chad Schultz. “If we can minimize the big inning, we will be a tough team to beat.”
Jacob Volkers pitched for the win on Sunday going seven complete innings and surrendering only one earned run. Parksville product Nolan MacDonald threw eight strong innings in relief over three games allowing only two earned runs. Max Kolopenuk led the bats with five hits and two stolen bases.
The Junior Royals are now 1-4 on the season.
They will be home again this weekend hosting Coquitlam and UBC at Inouye-Wallace field. First pitch Saturday is at 12:15 pm.