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1 November 2012
Four years preparation is over and the Aussie Colts are ready to win their unprecedented 5th consecutive World title on the eve of the ISF IX Junior Men’s World Championships in Paraná, Argentina from 1-10 November 2012.
Last night marked the end of the preparation, as the Aussie Colts played two played games against Japan winning both games. The team played in front of the large group of Australian supporters – who are converging on Argentina to support the Aussie Colts in their challenge for another title.
Head Coach Gary Butler summarised the leadup to the World Championships....
“The teams’ preparations have come along nicely, with our hitters having the opportunity to face some quality Argentinean pitchers. Our discipline in the box has been a large focus and this resulted in a strong performance in our final games. Our defence is set, so we are looking forward to our first game – the lads are ready to go.â€
The Aussie Colts arrived in Argentina on 20th October, and as a group they have worked together both on and off the field with the main focus on developing tenacity and mental toughness for their first pitch of their World Championship opening game against India and beyond. First stop for the Aussie Colts was Bahia Blanc then they moved to Paraná to play practice matches against the local teams.
The Aussie Colts were guest of the The Asociacion Bahiense de Softbol. They were the crowd favourites in Bahia Blanca, with a number of television media interviews, autograph sessions, and in turn the team provided coaching and player clinics during their time in the City. At a final farewell dinner, Aussie Colts Head Coach Gary Butler paid tribute to Edgardo Solis and his support team from Bahia Blanca Softbol as our hosts, for making the stay a most memorable and valuable pre-world's training opportunity.Â
The Aussie Colts then moved into Paraná - having left behind a lot of honorary "Aussies" in Bahia Blanca. There, the team was welcomed with open arms and provided the opportunity to play some outstanding softball, experience the warm hospitality of a wonderful group of softball people, and of course, partake in the culinary delights of the region. The grandstands were at capacity to see some great softball against local teams Liniers, a representative Association team from Bahia Blanca, El Nacional and Los Indios. At the conclusion of each game the crowds surged to meet the players and get some photo opportunities with the most successful Junior Men’s softball nation.
The Aussie Colts were the only team to make use of opportunities to play local Argentinean clubs, and this has provided a great opportunity for Butler to work his team across a range of defensive and offensive combinations.
The final results from the pre worlds games:
Aussie Colts 4 v ATSA 2
Aussie Colts 4 v ATSA 1
Aussie Colts 4 v Patronato1
Aussie Colts 5 v Don Bosco 4
Aussie Colts 1 v Estuduantes1
Aussie Colts 0 v Estuduantes 3
Aussie Colts 2 v Japan 1
Aussie Colts 8 v Japan2
For detailed play by play on the pre-World games please click here
The ultimate challenge begins in 24 hours – with the Opening Ceremony for the games tomorrow evening. In their first game, the Aussie Colts take to the diamonds against India at 6pm on 2 November.
The full World Championship schedule is as follows:
2 November       Aussie Colts       vs          India           6.00pm (new time)
3 November       Aussie Colts       vs          Singapore           6:00pm
4 November       Aussie Colts       vs          Denmark       1:00pm
5 November       Aussie Colts       vs          New Zealand     8:30pm
6 November       Aussie Colts       vs          Venezuela          6:00pm
7 November       Aussie Colts       vs          USA           8.30pm (new time)
For all the information on the Aussie Colts team click here
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To send a message of support to the team click here