Summer is enjoyable when the sun is out but it also brings those severe thunderstorm warnings and watches. I saw one tweet that aptly stated, "It seems every weather event nowadays is an extreme weather event". Global warming?
It was provincial fastball weekend for four teams from Unity Minor Ball.
The Squirt Panthers headed to Warman to make their mark. They started out with a big win Friday night. Into game two, Saturday, the rain kept coming, forcing a two-hour rain delay and eventually moving all games into Sunday. The Panthers came out strong, winning their semifinal.
They were set up against a strong team from Wapella in the final. After coming out of a tie, Wapella stood with the lead, sending Unity to last bat. The team worked their way to two on base but the tough Wapella defence shut them down and Unity was awarded the silver medal. This is undoubtedly a team that will be in the spotlight through their years in minor ball as they have had strong skill-building, evolving to a team tough both on offence and defence.
The other three teams did not share this success. The bantams, after losing their opening game against Macklin, in Macklin, came out with two big wins to follow. However in finals Sunday they lost their semifinal game, making them third in their provincial championship.
The peewees headed to Birch Hills. The weather was not so favourable but they were able to get all of their games in. A big win over Esterhazy in their opening game left them positive for Saturday, however, they came up against a strong Melfort and Hudson Bay team that left them out of playoff Sunday.
The Midget Panthers, coming off their league win, looked strong. They won their two opening games sending them to game three with an opportunity to capture first in their pool. The ball gods were not smiling on them as they went down to defeat versus Alameda. This set them up for a tiebreaker game to determine first place and they again played Alameda. The team came out swinging and came up with a big 16-8 win.
The win sent them to semifinals Sunday morning, against Earl Grey. After earning a five and one-quarter inning no-hitter, the Panthers looked poised to win the game. However, a big momentum shift came with some close base calls that were not in the Panthers' favour. Earl Grey took it to the Panthers, pounding hard and mounting a comeback that sent the Panthers packing.
Although none of Unity's fastball teams ended provincials with gold, they should all be proud of their accomplishments throughout the season.
Baseball boys are playing their last few games and tournaments to prepare for their provincial quests this weekend. The mosquito boys head to Melville with one peewee team also out of town. The second peewee team will host their provincials right in Unity, so head down to the diamonds for some live baseball action.
Delta Co-op staff held a benefit barbecue July 11 for 11-month-old Caleb Hildebrand. Caleb is the son of John and Arlene Hildebrand who moved to Unity from Wynyard in 2012. Caleb has undergone several surgeries in his short life. Some complications arose, resulting in Caleb having a heart transplant in May. John works for Delta Co-op so staff banded together to host the benefit barbecue to help out with expenses the Hildebrands have incurred with their son's extended hospital stay. They were very grateful for everyone who came out to support them.
The Unity Nature Park Pathway, leading to the dog park, will have its opening, July 25. The dog park is also hosting a barbecue to fundraise for a roadway to their area. Come out for a stroll, see the area and enjoy the new pathway as well as having a barbecue supper.
Greetings and ribbon-cutting will begin at 5 p.m. Meet at the start of the pathway at 4th Avenue West to walk to the paw park. From 5:15 - 7 p.m., there will be the barbecue and children's entertainment. The dog agility demonstration will begin at 6 p.m. All proceeds will go toward further developments at the paw park and the Unity Nature Pathway.
The Unity Swimming Pool will host activities all week to recognize Drowning Prevention Week, July 22 to 26. So come out next week for rescue demonstrations and swim for life challenges Monday and Thursday and a boat race and boat safety challenge Wednesday. Friday, join the pool staff for a supper barbecue and evening Rider deck dance.
Coffee row conversation was alive with excited review of the Riders' big win against Toronto, although the injury suffered by Durant is worrisome. Of course, the numerous events taking place in town this time of year are always reviewed with enthusiasm.
So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.
