Two 14 Wing Greenwood slo-pitch athletes have national gold around their necks, playing for the September 26 title as pick-ups with the CFB Halifax Mariners.
Corporal Kelly Watson and Aviator Sarah Bradfield were members of the 14 Wing women’s team at the season’s earlier Atlantic regional tournament; when Halifax made the call in preparation for the Canadian Armed Forces nationals September 24 to 26 at CFB Borden, Watson and Bradfield answered.
Through the round robin, the Mariners banked a 10-9 win over the Quebec regional winners, took a 15-0 loss to the Ontario (Kingston) region reps, beat Canada West (Esquimalt) 9-6 and lost 12-2 to Ontario (Kingston). A 7-1 win over Canada West (Tritons) in the semi-final put the Mariners into the September 26 final; Bradfield was that game’s MVP for her first base work. The championship game was a close, 8-7 win for the Mariners over Kingston.
Unity, veteran presence takes men to silver finish
On the men’s side of the national tournament, the 14 Wing Greenwood Bombers – boasting an average age of 41 – made it all the way to the final, but closed with a silver medal finish.
The Bombers opened September 24 with a wild scoring, 23-16 match against the Quebec regional winners, Valcartier. Greenwood MVP in the opener was Sergeant Trevor Parkes. In the afternoon game, Ontario region reps from Petawawa beat Greenwood 11-3. Greenwood was Sergeant Thomas Bertrand. In other day action, Cold Lake (Canada West) beat Petawawa 5-4.
On Day 2, September 25, Greenwood took a 22-6 win over Cold Lake, with Greenwood MVP Sergeant Larry Normore (a key pick-up from 9 Wing Gander who went on to more than prove his value). Greenwood met Valcartier that afternoon in play-off #1, losing 37-15 (no standing around in THIS game!). MVP for Greenwood was Sergeant Darren Bell. That put Greenwood in the must-win play-off #3, as Valcartier went through to the final.
On Day 3, in that must-in, 14 Wing defeated Petawawa 23-8 in five innings, again with Normore the Greenwood MVP selection for the game.
The afternoon final saw Greenwood again facing top-seed Valcartier for the title: Greenwood played hard but lost out 18-7. The final game’s Greenwood MVP was Warrant Officer Ghislain Vautour and, at the final awards ceremony, Normore was named the tournament MVP.
“The 14 Wing Men’s team delivered a commendable performance, showcasing skill, resilience and teamwork,” said team coach Sergeant Thomas Bertrand. “The veteran presence played a crucial role in managing the ups and downs during the tournament, providing valuable leadership and guidance when it was most needed.
“The team’s impressive performance serves as a reminder age is just a number and, with the right attitude and support, anything is possible on the field.”
Atlantic men’s roster
Greenwood – Sergeant Thomas Bertrand, coach; Warrant Officer Alain Chalifoux, coach; Sergeant Trevor Parkes, Warrant Officer Christopher Green, Master Corporal Matt Martin, Sergeant John Veitch, Sergeant Matthew MacKenzie, Corporal Matthew Gervais, Aviator Thomas Ralston, Corporal Michael Vance, Sergeant Shannon Green, Corporal Marius Robichaud-Gallant
Gander – Sergeant Larry Normore
Gagetown – Warrant Officer Ghislain Vautour
Halifax – Sergeant Darren Bell
