Toowoomba Rangers suffer first defeat of season

BASEBALL: The Rangers have suffered their first blemish of the GBL season in a thrilling contest at Hendra.

Stewart Kiely hits for the Toowoomba Rangers against Ipswich in division six action. Photo: Nev Madsen

Coming up against the unbeaten All Stars, the A-grade side came out firing to start the battle of the heavyweights, with two first innings runs giving them an early lead.

The home side levelled up in the third, before three to the All Stars gave them a 5-3 lead through five innings.

The Rangers were able to peg one back in the sixth, however fell short to the tune of 5-4, their first loss of the season.

“It was a tight contest. The All Stars came out and had good defence,” player-coach Luke Ardill said.

“We had a lot of hits. We had 10 to their four, but we left nine runners on base so we didn’t help ourselves out.

“We hit the ball well, it just went to fielders.

“In the first innings we lost Brent Vanderneut to an ankle injury and Sean Rodgers was injured also. It wasn’t the best day for us.

“It’s a learning curve. We’ll take it for what it is and try to move forward.”

Ardill praised the efforts of their opponents, who now sit atop the division four ladder.

“They showed good spirit and played an awesome game,” he said.

“They ran the bases well and took advantage of every situation they needed to.

“On the other side of the card, we had plenty of runners on base but didn’t capitalise like they did.”

Ardill said Vanderneut and Rodgers would be given time to prove their health ahead of this weekend, but wouldn’t risk them if they’re not fully fit.

“We’re hopeful they’ll be back this weekend but we don’t want to rush them back,” he said.

“We’ve got all three teams at home this weekend and players are performing in B and C grade.”

The Rangers B-grade game against Redcliffe was washed out, while C-grade continued their hot form with a 17-0 defeat of the Ipswich Musketeers.

All three Rangers sides will feature at Commonwealth Oval this Sunday from 9.30am.

Originally published as Toowoomba Rangers suffer first defeat of season