Young Hedland teeballers fly high despite strike dramas

It may have been a rocky start to their bid to take the State championships by storm thanks to disrupted transport to the event in Perth last weekend, but Hedland’s young teeballers did the region proud.

Held this year at Yokine Reserve with 91 teams and more than 1000 children aged between seven and 12 playing 232 teeball games over the long weekend, the contest included teams from the Goldfields, Mid West and Port Hedland. In total, 23 children and six coaching staff travelled from Hedland for the event.

But the Hedland team were at a distinct disadvantage after six families taking part in the contest found their flight cancelled at the last minute. In a bid to make it to Perth in time, they hit the road in a three-car convoy that travelled throughout the night.

Their efforts were well worth it, with both teams — under-11s and under-13s — playing their hearts out, according to head coach Toni McMahon.

“The U11s team came together and developed well in their off season and they were competitive in their games,” she said.

“There were a lot of younger players in this team who have another couple of years in this grade, so we’re excited to watch them grow. They also thoroughly enjoyed playing in the wet weather on Saturday afternoon, something they don’t experience here!”

The under-13s came in fifth in their division and “got a few wins under their belt”.

“The highlight game was the nail-biting win against the Goldfields, scoring the winning runs in the last dig,” McMahon said. “The senior group skills were really on display over the weekend with multiple home runs hit, double plays made and some spectacular catches.”

Two Hedland players were also selected to play in the under-13 Perth Super Squad game.

“The Super Squad is a selected group of metro kids who train and play together so it was amazing to see country kids’ talent on display on this game,” McMahon added.

The 2024 teeball season will kick off in May with a “have a try week” for kids who want to see what teeball is all about. Visit the Hedland Teeball Association Facebook page for more information.