Rams Skins State Softball Tournament: Teams from across State battle it out on diamond

Utakarra’s softball diamond was alive with action over the weekend as teams from across the State competed in the Rams Skins State Softball Tournament.

Rams Softball Club, led by coach Leon Chapman, battled their way to the grand final on Sunday night when they faced off against the Steelers Softball Club from Bunbury.

The Rams had a strong run through the tournament, opening with a convincing 9-2 victory over United on Friday night.

They followed up with wins over Warriors, a Perth-based team, and Tom Price. Dean Pascoe was a steady presence on the mound, but the team’s success was built on a collective effort.

Rams finished the league portion of the tournament with a balanced record of three wins and three losses, setting up a challenging path in the round robin stage.

Rams delivered an impressive performance against third-placed Vikings, securing an 8-1 victory and earning a spot in the preliminary final against the top-seeded Pirates.

Demonstrating exceptional skill both at bat and in the field, Rams overcame the ladder leaders with a commanding 4-0 win to book their place in the grand final.

Despite their determined run, the Steelers proved too strong in the final. With a dominant pitching performance from Heath Buswell, the Steelers secured an 8-0 shutout victory, with Buswell also claiming the tournament MVP medal.

The Steelers, like many teams in the competition, benefited from having players from other clubs, including Buswell and his son Tyson, a member of the Australian under-18 team, who were instrumental in their grand final win. Rams were the only team fielding only club players.

Shane Clark showed his defensive prowess as catcher, disrupting batters with his sharp work behind the plate. Paul Valenti and Jake Chapman showcased their power at bat, each hitting three home runs over the weekend.

The tournament also benefited from the addition of drafted local players, with Tom Price bolstered by Cooper Jefferies, while United Softball Club gained a significant edge from the catcher-pitcher duo of Josh and Sean Thompson.

Several standout players from the tournament earned selection in the all-star team, including Rams’ Dean Pascoe, Paul Valenti and Shane Clark, as well as Cooper Jefferies who pitched for Tom Price.

Their performances highlighted the high level of competition and talent on display throughout the tournament.