Lumber Kings axe Mustangs' defence

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Make way for the new kids on the block. The Prince George Lumber Kings now carry the Canadian Native Mens' Fastball Championship title.

The PG Kings took the championship away from the Vancouver Mustangs in two games, the first a 3-1 win, the second 4-1.

"The team if thrilled to win the championships," said Harley Desjarlais, team general manager. "Their new coach Grant Williams instilled a strong sense of team work. Their hard work and goal setting really came into fruition as a result."

The national championship games were played July 30-31, to Aug. 1-2 at Vancouver's Queen Park Stadium. More than a dozen teams from across the country participated in the exciting event.

The Lumber Kings fought their way up in the ranks, pulling off a 2-1 win over the B.C. Arrows in a nine-inning game, then wiping out the Saskatchewan Ochap Thunders in a 6-1 game to advance to the finals.

Pitchers Gordon Gervais and John Rice were named winning pitchers for their forceful arms and part in the tremendous win.

But while pitching is usually the name of the game in Canadian Native Men's Fastball championships, there's always exceptions to the rule. This year, that exception was bats. Big bats.

With four home runs and 11 RBIs, Evan Potskin propelled his team to the top, wheelding a bat that seemed to rip the heart out of each pitcher he faced.

It's a small wonder Potskin received Best Center Fielder, the batting title, most home runs, and the 1993 MVP.

The 18-year-old slugger pounded T. Bone of the B.C. Arrow for a three-run shot in the third inning and a two-run blast in the sixth. The Prince George Lumber Kings won 6-0, sending the Arrows packing.

Then Potskin faced Ochap Thunder's ace, Joe Bassaraba. In the second inning, Potskin's two run blast made the game 3-0, sending Bassaraba to the showers and placing Prince George in the finals against the 1992 champs, the George Flett Cont. Vancouver Mustangs.

But even if you have big sticks, you still need a solid defence.

The PG Kings had pitching and defence. With John Rice mowing them down and Joe Potskin raking them in, there seemed no way that the Kings would accept anything less than the title.

The next step is the North American Fastball Championship games, to be held in Invermere, Aug. 19-22.

Canadian Native Fastball Champions - Women's division

First: Eli's Jewels

Second: MacRae Magicians

Third: Spirits Quest

Fourth: Qilchaw A's

Men's Division

First: Prince George Lumber Kings

Second: George Flett Vancouver Mustangs

Third: Ochap Thunder

Fourth: B.C. Arrows

Fifth: Canoe Lake Commodores

Sixth: Stoney Creek Tigers