FAIRYTALE FINISH

Hollywood story in nail-biting grand final

SOFTBALL: There are very few times in sport when one team throws the script out of the window.

Allstars did exactly that, as its men’s Toowoomba Softball premiership victory was something taken straight from the big screens of Hollywood.

Drama was aplenty in both men and women’s championship deciders, though Allstars’ 5-3 win over Dodgers to lift the men’s premiership trophy was something that nobody saw coming at the beginning of the season.

Allstars avenged their semi-final knock-out last year by Dodgers in what was a David vs Goliath encounter at the time.

But 12 months is a long time, and Allstars was able to end the heartache of five grand final-less years.

“Obviously we are disappointed to lose but the Allstars boys outplayed us and out-enthused us from the very first innings,” Dodgers coach Nic Rees said.

“We are disappointed. It was not a good feeling but the boys are keen to get our hands back on that trophy next year.”

The women’s grand final showcased what could be one of the best teams to take to the diamonds of Toowoomba.

Warriors White claimed its sixth title in a row with a tie-breaker innings 8-6 win over Dodgers in its ninth grand final in 10 years.

Dodgers made sure their opponents did not have it all their own way.

The game split was on a knife’s edge as time ticked away, with Warriors settling their nerves to take home the trophy in the eighth innings.

“I usually sit down on the bench but I was standing up watching because I was so nervous,” Warriors White coach Chris Edards said.

“For me there was some relief but there were a few tears from the girls. That was the best grand final I have coached in 10 years.”

After a generation of dominance, Edards said his team was the beneficiary of consistent performers who had not slowed down with time.

None more so than mother-daughters trio Ann Tansley, Bee King and Tracy Edards; who have been key in the club’s era of superiority.

“I definitely hope they can go another five years. Some of them are keen to do it,” Edards said.

“With Tracy still pitching and the experience we have in the batting I think we can keep this run going.”

❝ That was the best grand final I have coached in 10 years. — Chris Edards

PHOTO: NEV MADSEN PHOTO: NEV MADSEN HOME RUN: Jasmin Lucas of Warriors White dives for home base against Dodgers in the women’s Toowoomba Softball grand final. ON THE MOVE: Jasmin Lucas of Warriors White runs against Dodgers.