Photo Submitted by Kim Balog

The Squirts Ball Team were crowned LEAGUE Champions June 22/08. The Squirts Ball Team was coached by Nicole and Murray Lyons along with Darryl Balog

Back Row: Celina Leicht, Burke Lyons (bat boy). Middle Row: Nicole Lyons (coach), Emma Levey, Dianna Thomas, Paige Lyons, Jessica Ripley, Jocelyn Rolufs, Brittany Hamelin, Darryl Balog (coach). Front Row: Breanne Dayman, Kelsey Balog, Brooke Kapell, Emily Dayman. Lying across: Kelsey Rapp. Missing: Madison Muscoby, Irina Bauman, and Brooke Haus

Your Kipling Royals Squirt Girls hit the field this year with solid veterans, very able rookies and a few first timers that earned starting positions. Was this going to be another chapter in the “Always a bridesmaid - never a bride” book? Only time would tell.

The regular season was great, we finished without a loss. And then we went to Langenburg’s Minor Ball Day and there we were handed two losses from the two Langenburg teams. If you know how the story goes, Langenburg has always been the thorn in our side. What could we do but have them back for a rematch at our Minor Ball Day. Although the girls were on fire, winning the first of two games, so were the skies and due to lightning we had to call it a day. Were we over the fear of Langenburg? All we could do was wait and see how the playoffs would play out.

We headed to Esterhazy on the 21st and 22nd to see how this chapter would end. We hit the field on Saturday morning at 10 against none other than a Langenburg team. The girls were fired up and in the end walked away with a 17-4 win. That was one under our belts, only four more to go. We then played Moosomin, Melville #1, and Melville #2, all ending up on top. The time had come for the Gold medal match, and once again for the fourth time in as many years, it was your Kipling Royals facing Langenburg. After a well fought battle, your girls had a three up, three down inning in the fourth to win the Gold with a score of 14-4. After three Silvers, the Gold never tasted so sweet.

Darryl, Murray and I would like to take this time to thank the girls for all the effort they put into this season. We are missing a few due to injuries but want to make sure they understand they are still part of this team, they couldn’t have done it without you too. We had a huge amount of fun with you girls and can’t wait to do it again next year. We’re proud of each of you for the part you played on this team to truly make it a TEAM.

Even though the league championship is over, the majority of these girls are not done their season. They will be hosting the Squirt “C” Provincials this weekend in our own backyard, down at the ball diamonds. The first game of the Provincials will start at 9:00 with the opening ceremonies at 10:30 and your Royals hitting the field at 11:00. If you don’t have the whole day to spend at the diamonds, the one you won’t want to miss is the nail biter at 6:00 in the evening. When your 981 League Champs the Kipling Royals meet, you guessed it, Langenburg. We’ll see you there.

And to the girls - Thank you! Let’s Getter Done!!!