It was the Kindersley Royals versus the Prince Albert Royals in Sunday's 11U AA Tier 7 championship final in Kindersley, and it went down to the wire, with an exciting finish going the road Royals way in a one run walk-off victory.
A rainy weekend around the province caused problems for local diamonds, and Kindersley was no different. Despite puddles on the infield each morning the tournament still managed to play its way into championship Sunday where the weather actually smartened up by first pitch.
The crowd at Supreme Source for Sports diamond was packed for the 1:30 PM final and enjoyed a back-and-forth game.
Both starting arms were terrific going over 60 on the pitch count, but it was Kindersley who earned a lead entering the final innings. Kindersley would hang on until the final inning when a Prince Albert rally tied the game up and sent the game to extras.
Extra-inning rules sent runners to first and second base with one out. Kindersley capitalized quickly in the top half of the inning to plate three runs, but Prince Albert held firm to keep the score 12-9 and give themselves a chance in the bottom half with a tense crowd watching on.
Prince Albert loaded the bases, and a big hit into the outfield cleared them, a mad dash around the diamond ending at home plate for a walk-off grand slam.
The end of the game featured some great defense, hitting, and pitching from both sides.
The 11U tournament was only the first or second time many of these young ball players hit the field in this competitive of a nature, and the thrilling final should be a memory for everyone at the diamond on Sunday no matter the result.