The three games that the girls and boys of the Redcoats U12 team played in Friuli demonstrated the great potential within the Club. These players were not at all fazed by the surroundings, by their more illustrious opponents, or by the prospect of playing a player-pitch baseball game for the first time. They performed at their best.

Paul Muscat hit the ball hard and made some fine defensive plays at short stop. As did Ema Sultana (3rd base), Maya Sultana (2nd base) and Abigail Camilleri (various positions). Zoia Mercieca, Mayah Zammit, Mattea Zammit, Cristina Sultana, Kaitlyn Vella, Jerome Hili and Kyren Vella all contributed with hits, walks, excellent base running, scoring runs as well as with their defensive plays. They were all aggressive and demonstrated that they understand how the game of baseball and that of softball is played.

The three players that caught the eyes of the opposing coaches were the two pitchers, Gilbert Scicluna and Chris Mercieca, as well as catcher Martha Farrugia. The mechanics of the two pitchers were fundamentally sound. With more practice they should be able to throw harder and achieve better consistency than the 57% strikes to pitches ratio that they managed during the two games. Similarly for catcher Martha. She showed the leadership that one expects from a catcher and was reliable behind the plate demonstrating that she knows how to play that position. She was also great when batting, making good contact with the ball. Both Chris and Gilbert also hit the ball really well during the coach pitch games, with the former hitting an inside-the-park home runs in each of the three games played. The two were also very reliable defensively registering several assists and put-outs.

This group of fourteen players aged 10-12 worked very hard in the weeks prior to the trip and their performances were proof of that. They learned from this experience and thoroughly enjoyed playing the three games. They are definitely eager for more.

The U12 team was given a trophy at the awards ceremony by the organisers. The trophy was awarded to them in recognition for the efforts that they made in preparation for the trip. The players earned it, and much more, with their performances. Coaches Steve Ellis and Joseph Scicluna were extremely proud of their players and are both very much looking forward to do it again.

TO DARE IS TO DO – only by trying one can achieve, the motto that was selected for this adventure abroad sums it all up. The Club worked very hard to provide the U12 team with an opportunity to play abroad and it turned out to be a successful one on every front.

This trip would not have been possible if it was not for the support that the Redcoats received from the Ministry for Gozo through the Promotion of Sports Initiatives and Facilities Scheme 2022.

CONGRATULATIONS REDCOATS!