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.