Blastball 2010 went off very well this year with 9 teams. Everyone had fun and learned new skills, players and coaches. Ancaster Little League and the Junior Development Committee thanks all those who participated this season.

Children, Parents and Coaches, we are looking forward to seeing you all again next year.

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The hitting was good and the pitching was solid, but in the end it was outstanding defence that led the Ancaster Cardinals to the Ontario Little League District 1 Major Division championship this week.

One highlight-reel play after another in the field -- including two double plays and a barehanded grab-and-throw from shortstop -- allowed the Cardinals to top the High Park Braves 3-0 in the final and claim Ancaster’s second-ever title at this age group.

It was a wonderful finish to a spectacular playdown for the 11- and 12-year-olds from Ancaster. The Cards swept through the round robin beating High Park 12-1, Dundas 11-0, Oakville 14-4, Erindale 8-0 and Stoney Creek 18-1. In the semifinal, they beat Oakville 8-3. The topped the always-strong Braves for the championship.

In that final game, Caleb Radley pitched a complete-game four-hitter to top off a memorable week on the mound. He finished the tournament with a record of 3-0 with a save and no earned runs allowed. Justin Stephenson went 2-0, while Liam Gallagher and Mark Szostak collected the other wins.

At the plate, Ben Miller led the way with 14 RBI in the tournament while Szostak hit .619 and drove in 12. Justin Mignardi hit three homers and drove in 10.

Anthony Marzanek, Riley Gray, Adam Del Fabbro, Brandon Chong, Simon Ranger and Matthew Grabstas all contributed with big defensive plays and timely hits.

The team -- coached by Dave Whalen, Andrew Thompson, Bill Gallagher, Nate Cordery and Mike Furdal -- now prepares to host the Canadian Little League Championship from Aug. 7-14 at the rebuilt Ancaster Little League Park on Jerseyville Road. The winner of that event becomes Team Canada at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.

For details about the tournament and complete schedules, please go to ancaster2010.com.

Congratulations to the Junior T-ball A team with their win in the Erindale tournament this past weekend along with 3 of the players winning the skills competition.

Best of luck along the way as we lead up to the World T-ball Tournament on the Civic Holiday weekend in August.

The Minor Cardinals participated in the District 1 Championships this week, defeating Erindale 18-8 in their first game, followed by a 14-6 loss to Stoney Creek in the second round.  That loss sent Ancaster to the loser's bracket where they defeated Dundas 10-9 in a wild affair.  Ancaster had reached the final four for the first time since winning the district championship in 2008, and were defeated 15-5 against Oakville in a game that had a two hour rain delay.  The District 1 Championships conclude Tuesday or Wednesday at Ernie Keith Field in High Park, Toronto.

The remaining tournament schedule:
Monday July 12: 7:00 pm- Stoney Creek vs. Oakville
Tuesday July 13: 7:00 pm- High Park vs. Winner of Monday's game
Wednesday July 14: 7:00 pm- If necessary only if the winner of Monday wins on Tuesday.

All the games are at Ernie Keith Field in High Park, Toronto. For all the District 1 news, scores and updates you can go to their website: http://ontariodistrict1littleleague.com

The Ancaster Major Yankees coached by Mark Wilson represented Ancaster in the 2010 District 1 Major Houseleague Championships over the past two weekends in Stoney Creek.  Ancaster finished 2nd place in their pool on the first weekend, earning a trip the semi-finals where they topped Erindale 8-2 last Saturday to advance to the Championship game.  Awaiting Ancaster was High Park, and in the final a true classic houseleague battle ensued, as High Park came out victorious 3-2 in a terrific game.  Congratulations to the Major Yankees who represented Ancaster so well in this wonderful tournament.

Congratulations to the Major Cardinals All Star team in winning the Heritage Day tournament and the Hamilton Mahoney tournament, a great start as they march towards the Canadian championships in August.