Wee Waa Public School finishes fourth in the state

Wee Waa Public School’s open boys’ softball side has done a whole town proud.

The side finished fourth in NSW PSSA Softball competition after being defeated 13-3 in the semi-final by eventual winners Narranga Public School and losing to Newport in the third-place playoff.

The Wee Waa side travelled to Blacktown International Sports Park after earning its spot by defeating Molong Public School 11-2 in the quarter-final on November 21 at Wee Waa.

The side opened the semi-final strongly but a devastating injury and a few missed opportunities brought Wee Waa’s fantastic campaign to an end.

In the semi-final match against Narranga Public School, Wee Waa batted first and was able to get three runs on the board to lead the match 3-nil going into the bottom of the first innings.

Narranga, located in the 70,000-strong town of Coffs Harbour, was able to level things up at 3-all as the teams entered the second innings.

Wee Waa could not produce the same batting performance it had in the first innings, failing to add to its total.

It was Narranga’s second innings where Wee Waa was dealt a massive blow.

A strong connection from the bat of a Narranga player was hit straight back to Wee Waa pitcher Clay Hoffman.

Clay was unable to dodge the ball and was struck on his pitching arm.

That unfortunate event took Clay out of the game injured, forcing Wee Waa into a change.

Wee Waa remained strong in the second innings, giving away two runs which made the score 5-3.

Heading into the final innings only two runs down, Wee Waa had a chance to grab the lead but it was unable to secure the two runs necessary.

Narranga then ran away with the match, scoring eight runs to end the match.

The last innings made the score 13-3 but the score did not reflect the heart and effort that Wee Waa showed.

Wee Waa then took on Newport in the third-place play-off.

The Wee Waa team, without starting pitcher Clay, was unable to defeat the Northern Sydney side and was beaten 12-4.

Wee Waa Public School teacher and softball coach Michael Lever said he was incredibly proud of his side.

“I was of the mindset that we had already won by making it there and anything else was a bonus,” said Mr Lever.

“The boys did exceptionally well.

“I thought when we were three-all that we are a chance here.

“The bonus for the boys was kids who live in a remote area had the opportunity to travel to Sydney to play at an Olympic-standard facility and to enjoy the camaraderie.

“For the boys to be able to demonstrate their skill level and match it with the bigger schools on a major stage was something that I will always remember and appreciate.

“These boys don’t play in a regulated competition for softball or baseball and the other teams are playing Saturday softball and Sunday baseball,” said Mr Lever.

“So that gives them that added advantage.

“To compete with them at their level was just a pleasure.”

Mr Lever said the boys were upset that they did not finish in first-place but he pointed out the achievement that the squad had made.

“I reminded them to not disregard the fact they came fourth and that this was a historic achievement for Wee Waa Public School,” he said.

“To finish fourth in the state is an incredible achievement.

“What pleased me was the other teams didn’t even know where Wee Waa was and when we played that first game there was a lot of talk between the state officials about the standard that the boys were playing at.

“That was pleasing to me that we made such a big impression, representing not just Wee Waa but the North-West region in a great competition.”

Mr Lever was grateful to the town of Wee Waa for giving the team a chance to take on the challenge.

“A special thank you to the community who supported us and who were able to cover the cost of the trip,” he said.

“In light of the fact that we are in a desperate drought-ridden environment the community still had the heart to get behind and not only support but provide the necessary funds for that to happen.

“That was probably more of a heart-felt gratitude than the fact that we were playing there.

“That’s the sort of community spirit that the rural community provides, that even in the worst of times they’re still generous enough to be able to afford an opportunity to these kids who will probably not experience that again.

“A special mention to Mr [Peter] Carrett, the outgoing principal from last year, he provided embroidered caps for the boys to wear, which looked fabulous, which the boys were able to keep.”