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Young Rebel defying the odds.

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They breed them tough in the bush, but as of this winter season young Campbell will be a Rebel and we are certainly looking forward to seeing what he can do.

Our juniors have already started training, and if you think you might like to join them for another great season drop us an email or pop into a training session at Parker Reserve (Keady Street entrance).

U13’s are training on Sunday, and Wednesday evenings with Coach Ripken. U13 Minors, U15’s and 17’s will be training on Thursday nights with Coach Andy starting at 5pm.

https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsBendigo/videos/1460408404011273/

With thanks to WIN News Bendigo for the great piece.

#juniorrebels #baseball #mwbl #northcoburg #moreland #activemoreland #winterbaseball #melbourne

2016/17 Summer Rebels Wrap Up

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We’ve had a great summer at the Rebels, so to end off the season we have a few, OK a lot of, words from team manager/coach/all round good guy: Andy Malthouse.

As a coach of a team, before that first game comes around, there are a lot of uncertainties that occupy a considerable amount of your time thinking about them.

You worry about firstly having enough players and worrying about how they will all fit together as a team.

Do you have enough catchers, do you have enough pitchers? Why do I have four 1st basemen? That’s not going to work, what if I try this and what if he or she plays there.

Why is there a lefty on my team? God I hate lefty’s.  🙂

You worry about training sessions and keeping everyone interested and enjoying it. You have to set a goal for the season and you need to understand what each individual’s goal is. Why are they playing? What do they want out of this season?

 But you know something? It all works out in the end.

 My goal for any team that I coach is about participation and about trying to allow the individual to reach the goals that they have set.  Yes winning is important, it’s one goal that everyone has but at the end of the day, winning is not always possible. Some teams are just that much better or we didn’t play that well or luck was not on our side. On those days, our goals may need to change. We need to focus on what I could have done better. How can I learn from what happened today?

 Now looking back, I think that we all reached our goal.  I know I did. We all seemed to enjoy training and playing and most of all, as a team we improved immensely during the course of the season.  Yes there were some hard times as a team and as players but we bounced back from those. So much so that after losing 26 to 5 against North West Titans (our biggest loss), we bounced back and won 6 out of the next 7 games. We beat the teams placed 1st, 2nd and 4th on the ladder and the game we lost, we may have won if some of our stars were not missing that day.

 So what a season, I only have satisfaction from coaching this year. It was a pleasure and a honour to be the first ever Coach for the Rebels in Summer. I also have so much respect and pride for every single person who put a glove on to play this season. I am also so very proud and thankful for the other people that helped us during this season. From Stu who umpired each home game, to Kim who scored with some cameo’s from Paula, to Jane and Paul’s parents who ran the canteen. They are all wonderful people and what a family we have here at the Rebels.

Well there you have it, our first summer season has come and gone, and what an amazing experience it has been for all involved.

We’d like to offer our hearty congratulations to the following players for their brilliant performances in the Rebel colours, and look forward to many more summers to come.

MVP’s – Bruce Barnes and Nathan Dalton
Batting – Nathan Dalton
Fielding – Gavin Alki
Coaches Award for Most Improved – Matt Prowse

2016/17 Summer Round 17 Match Report

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Manager: Andy Malthouse
Scorer: Kim Malthouse

Score: NC Rebels 22 – Geelong 5 

There are a lot of emotions at the end of any baseball game, more so when it is the last one for the season. So including feeling hungry, thirsty, wanting to sit down, getting out of those damn cleats, you also have emotions such as relief, fulfilment, satisfaction but most of all pride. Pride in the people that you have had the honour of playing with over the past 17 rounds.

This season had its ups and downs, as you would expect, but it was by far a rewarding experience. Playing with such diverse people who love the game so much, who just love getting out there and having a go was an absolute privilege and thank you from me to everyone for the experience and the memories. The first ever Summer Rebels team. How did Charlie Sheen say it, “Winning!!”

This week we travelled to the sunny little sea side hamlet of Geelong. Geelong had not won a game all year but that was no reason to still not come out hard and finish off the season in grand style. And that is how we played.

With a ring in on the mound throwing for them, we still managed to continue the great hitting that we have done over the past 5 weeks. Everyone got a hit except for Will who hit well but the luck was just not with him.

3+6+5+2+6 = 22

Donk lived up to his name, Bruce, gibbo’ed them, Nathan did a Dalty on them while Mozz legged out another in the park. Glenn got a well deserved hit, Matt was on fire and Cath the Maverick Shelley bamboozled them with two awesome hits. The Gangster Danny smashed it with his 32″ piece of wood. The best hit of the day was Gavin, suffering from the flu, catching the whole day, shrugged off all frustration, got mad for once and smashed a big hit over Left. Awesome to watch. Been expecting it all season, but now that it’s happened, I expect more in winter big man.

So at the end of it all, we won 22 to 5.
Bruce 2 from 5
Nathan 2 from 3
Maurice 2 from 2, 1 triple
Neil 2 from 3, 2 doubles
Glenn 1 from 4
Will 0 from 4
Gavin 2 from 3, 1 home run
Andy 1 from 2
Matt 3 from 3, 1 double
Cath 2 from 4
Danny 2 from 4

At the end of the season, we had 8 wins and 8 losses. We scored 170 runs and also gave up 170 runs. How freaky is that. We ended up 6th out of 12.

Thanks to everyone involved this season, from the players to Stu, Kim, Paula, Jane, Alan, Danielle, Clarky’s parents and anyone else who came down to watch and have a laugh. Presentation night this Saturday, 7 pm at the club rooms. Everyone is welcome to come down for a drink.

2016/17 Summer Round 16 Match Report

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Manager: Andy Malthouse
Scorer: Kim Malthouse

Score: NC Rebels 33 – Footscray 8

Up against Footscray this week, a team who are one week losing to Essendon, then coming out the next with a win against the NW Titans, so we did not know what to expect.

As luck turned out we caught them on a bad day,  and after the coach told me that they had a newbie on the mound, I knew the game was probably going to go our way.

The game was tight all the way up to the first pitch, from then on, we took control and did not let up.

In the top of the 1st, we had them out quickly for no score and then with a guy that had never thrown much before, we capitalized and showed good restraint in the batting box to not chase too much crap. After being 2 out for no score (soft come backer to the pitcher who caught it and doubled out Maurice), the shackles were broken and we then preceded to score 20 runs before the next out was registered. In the 1st, they threw 8 walks, 5 HPB’s and we had 9 safe hits.

In the 3rd, Maurice came on to pitch but struggled to find any groove and they scored 3 and then 4 in the next 2 innings.

We also hit well scoring 7 and 6 to give us a win 33 to 8.

Hitting wise:
Bruce 2 from 3
Nathan 1 from 3
Maurice 0 from 2
Danny 2 from 4
Andy 3 from 3
Will 0 from 0 (3 walks and 1 HPB)
Neil 3 from 3
Gavin 1 from 2
Tim 2 from 2
Matt 1 from 2
Beno (fill in) 3 from 4

 

2016/17 Summer Round 15 Match Report

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Manager: Andy Malthouse
Scorer: Kim Malthouse

Score: NC Rebels 13 – Essendon 8 

What can I say, some people amaze me.

This week we played Essendon Bombers who were 4th on the ladder and the week before beat a team just below us on the ladder 30 – 3. When you put that together, it did not look good for our chances this week.

Having said that, I put to the team that I had a fantasy the night before of winning the last 3 games. I don’t want to go into details as there could be minors that see this report but it was incentive enough for us to put in a real good effort and beat Essendon 13 to 8.

These people amaze me. Each and every one of them. From Bruce on the mound using a 14 inch glove which is as big as his feet to Nathan at 3rd who has tremendous range to Cath who is like a mongoose at second. Tim had a great game at 1st, Mozz took some crucial fly’s at right and Matt and Danny combined in the outfield to morph into one and take a blinder. Gavin is a wall behind the plate and all of these efforts helped limit Essendon’s ability to score runs.

After 4 innings, we were down 4 – 2. We had a great defensive innings and then that’s when we took control piling on 11 runs to take the game by the throat. In an innings where we saw 3 pitchers try to stop our momentum, we had 6 hits, 4 walks and 1 hpb.

Baseball is great.

Key Performances:
Everyone scored at least once.
Bruce and Gavin are a great combination.
Everyone is playing as a team.

2016/17 Summer Round 14 Match Report

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Manager: Paul Clarke
Scorer:  Paula Sutherland

Score: NW Titans 16  – NC Rebels 5

Andy was off on a road trip following the Melbourne Aces this week so the match report is courtesy of Paul. Clearly a man of few, but succinct words.

We played a NW Titans side that effectively picked us apart last time we played. This time however we were run for run until the last 4 outs of the game when they put us away.

We’ve come a long way this season and it’s now time to finish off strong and be competitive. And win. Winning is fun so we should do that too.

We return home for two games before heading off to Geelong for the final game, so come on down and have a look at your Rebels!

2016/17 Summer Round 13 Match Report

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Manager: Andy Malthouse
Scorer: Kim Malthouse

Score: NC Rebels 11 – Research 7 

Today we played Research who were undefeated after 12 rounds. We had 3 of our best out in Donk, Will and Nate and if this was a game you could bet on, you would have given us pretty bad odds.

Just as well you can’t bet as we would have taken your money. We won 11 – 7.

Even though Research were missing some players as well we still had the guts and the determination to take it up to them and in the end beat them convincingly. Bruce was masterful on the mound again throwing all 7 innings, striking out 5, but more importantly, only walking 2. That made them hit and as a team, we are doing our best to back him up with only 1 error recorded. That is probably the most satisfying thing about the win, where ever I place people, they are performing the role perfectly. From Mozz playing 1st then 3rd to Gavin behind the dish. Everyone has really stepped it up in the field and I am proud of everyone.

Gavin, was fantastic behind the dish and really is calling a great game. Bruce, as I said pitched a blinder and continues to be that consistent chucker we have needed.

Danny is flawless in the outfield and Cath made some good plays as well.

Batting is where it’s all happening. Everyone hit the ball apart from me. Bruce hit two doubles as lead off.  Mozz went 2 from 3, Danny went 2 from 4, Gavin 1 from 2 (no HPB’s), Matt went 1 from 3, Grant went 1 from 2 with a Muffed Fly, Cath 1 from 2, Paul 1 from 2, Tim 1 from 3, Glenn put the ball into play which puts pressure on the opposition.

Once again, the spark was created by our lower order who scored us 4 in the 2nd to tie it up. That’s when we thought we could win. That’s when it all started, so well done to Matt, Cath, Paul and Tim who all got hits to get us back in the game.

To be honest, today should not have happened, but it did. That’s sport, that’s baseball and that is why we all love this game so much. You never know what’s going to happen. It’s like a Kinda Surprise.

Now earlier I mentioned a special name. Grant. Thanks G Man for coming down and lending a hand. You still have it, the game has missed you and we would be welcome you anytime you can make it.

Thanks to Stu once again and also to Alan for line umpiring. Thanks Jane for her help in the canteen and also to Kim for scoring.

That was our 5th win and the best so far. Awesome job everyone.

Calling all Rebel T-Ballers!

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The MWBL, in conjunction with the Melbourne Aces,  have arranged a tee-ball exhibition to take place prior to the Saturday January 21st 2017 game against the Adelaide Bite  at Melbourne Ball Park, Altona.

We are looking for players from the MWBL clubs to be involved and enjoy this experience, Players preferably aged between 6-10 are invited to join in, and we would ask that all participants be at the ground by 4.00pm, for a 4.30pm start. The tee-ball section of this day will run for approx. 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours. This will be held in the outfield area on the main diamond, and participants are asked and encouraged to attend in their club uniform or tops and hat.

Even if your club didn’t run tee-ball programs during the winter, we would like to ask clubs to contact potential or experienced tee-ballers and offer them the opportunity to participate. Entry for the players and parents will be free, and extra tickets can be purchased for only $2.50 per person for this game (you will be receiving an email shortly regarding the MWBL partnered series where a voucher ticket purchase for MWBL members will be only $2.50 for Friday night and Saturday day game entry to see the Aces play the Bite).

If you are interested in being part of this please email and we will register your interest with the comp and get back to you with any additional details.

Email NC Rebels

Please contact us no later than wed 10 Jan.This will allow for the organisation of tickets and arrangement of final numbers to access the ground.

I hope this opportunity is well received and we look forward to hearing from you shortly.

2016/17 Summer Round 12 Match Report

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Manager: Andy Malthouse
Scorer: Kim Malthouse

Score: NC Rebels 12 – Fitzroy A 1 

After a great win last week against Fitzroy C, our morale was pretty high and we gave ourselves a small chance of beating Fitzroy A who were sitting 2nd on the ladder. I did say a small chance.

How wrong was I?!

We SMASHED em! 12 – 1. Not only smashed them but 10 runned them in the 5th. Is runned a word?

Playing at Fitzroy, on their main diamond under beautiful blue skies we went out there with the attitude that we had a good chance to cause an upset. Batting first, we continued our good form from last week scoring 5 in the top of the 1st. With Bruce starting on the mound, we kept them scoreless to take the game by it’s horns and not let go.

In the next 4 innings, we scored, 1, 3, 3 and 0 to their 0, 0, 0, 1, 0 to win quite comfortably. I think we were all a bit shocked and had to pinch ourselves to realise that we had the ability to smash a team the way we did.

As I mentioned, Bruce started for us and after throwing a complete game last week, decided that was not enough and did it again this week. He was masterful. Not giving Fitzroy any chance. He threw 5 inning, 56 pitches, 14 balls, 42 strikes, 3 k’s, 0 walks giving up only 4 hits. Finally worked out how to throw a slider!!!

Defence wise, we had our first game with no errors. Will Needham behind the plate was great working with Bruce well. Nathan at 3rd continues to gobble up anything that way. Matt Prowse had his first game at 2nd and made two good plays. Danny was solid at centre and Maurice with he’s speed was able to get their best hitter out with a 9 -3. We have really improved defence wise and it is showing.

Batting wise, we had one of our best games. We got 14 hits in 5 innings. The top of the order, continue to impress with Will hitting the ball hard, Nathan once again getting a couple of hits and Mozz lighting it up with 3 from 3. A single, a double and a home run.
Danny in his 2nd game is adjusting well going 2 from 3 and Donk is always solid with 2 from 3. Apart from Mozz’s homerun, the best hit of day goes to Paul Clarke with a massive stand up double to centre. When he hit it, the pitcher threw he’s glove in the air in despair. Well done Paul, that hit scored 2 and broke their back.

What a way to go into the Christmas break winning the last two games, skyrocketing us into 8th position. I’m getting light headed.
To everyone enjoy the break, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and see you at training on the 19th of Jan.

2016/17 Summer Round 11 Match Report

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Manager: Andy Malthouse
Scorer: Kim Malthouse

Score: NC Rebels 11 – Fitzroy B 7 

Match report courtesy of Manager Andy Malthouse

One week is along time in many ways and that’s definitely true when it comes to sport.

From any given week, a lot can change and thank god it did.
Last week we got beaten up 26 to 7 and this week we managed to fight out probably our best win of the year so far.

Down by 4 early in the game and with all signs that they were going to run away with it, we managed to flick a switch and put on 7 to take control.
At no stage was the game totally under control but with constant pressure with the bat, great pitching, base running and defence, we were able to fight a great come from behind win, 11 to 7.

Bruce started for us and threw the complete game. He was masterful on the mound in what was a fantastic performance. Just what we needed after the last couple of weeks. He threw 6 innings for 102 pitchers. 28 balls and 74 strikes. He gave up 10 hits but some of those were frustrating. Metal bats do that. 7 strike outs and 1 walk was the difference and he totally deserves the W next to his name this week.

Will Needham stepped in as catcher this week and was perfect behind the plate. No pass balls, 4 stolen bases against and 1 caught stealing. Awesome job Will, see you there again this week 🙂

This week was the best batting we have had all season with everyone contributing. The lower order was awesome batting in 4 of our 11 runs, and that was the difference in the end. Congrats to Cath and Matt for getting their first hits of the season and also welcome to Danny who played his first game.

Everyone had intent in the batting box, no more so than Paul Clarke who really put pressure on the pitcher to throw good pitches. Paul started it all for us in the 2nd with a great 2 run single to right and then topped it off with a stealing 3rd when their pitcher, in his arrogance decided to wind up with Paul on 2nd and an open 3rd base. Cost him 2 runs in the end.

Our base running was back to it best with 16 stolen bases to their 4.

I wish all games were like this one. It was tense early but once we got our back up, we could not be stopped and it was great seeing everyone smiling for once. One more game to go till the break, lets enjoy this week no matter what and go into Christmas enjoying our ball.

Thanks to Jane, Kim and Stu for your efforts on the day. Couldn’t do it without you all.