Porepunkah Panthers

05/09/2026

02/09/2026

🏆 PREMIERS & GRAND FINAL BOUND! 🏆
🐾⚾ WHAT A TIME TO BE A PANTHER! ⚾🐾

What an incredible time for the Porepunkah Panthers Baseball Club! 🖤💛

A massive congratulations to our Under 12s — 2026 PREMIERS! 🏆🥇

After an outstanding season, these young Panthers brought home the premiership last weekend! We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work, determination, teamwork and sportsmanship. The future of the Panthers is looking very bright! 🌟

🔥 AND WE’RE NOT DONE YET! 🔥

This weekend, our B Grade and C Grade teams are both GRAND FINAL BOUND! ⚾🏆

To have three Panthers teams reach Grand Finals across three divisions is an incredible achievement for our small rural club. It’s a huge credit to every player, coach, volunteer, family member and supporter who puts so much into the Panthers week after week. 🐾

We might not be playing on our home diamond at Porepunkah, but we want the PANTHER PRIDE to be heard loud and clear from the sidelines! 📣📣

🖤💛 GET YOUR PANTHERS COLOURS ON!
📣 BRING THE NOISE!
⚾ GET BEHIND B GRADE & C GRADE!
🏆 LET’S BRING HOME SOME MORE SILVERWARE!

GO PANTHERS — WE BELIEVE! 🐾🔥🏆⚾

31/08/2026

A slight change in the game time for C grade

30/08/2026

Sunday September 6th Happy Father’s Day 👊

30/08/2026

U12- The Porepunkah Panthers and Albury Bears put on a baseball exhibition of teamwork and baseball skills in the grand final played on Sunday.
In a four innings thriller it was the Bears who took an early lead and Porepunkah who fought back to take the win.
The first innings had the Panthers leadoff batter Byron Smith and Archer Harris both hitting safely to centre field to get on base.
Nick Giuliano then also hit big to score both runners bringing up Zoe Caswell who timed nice pitch to hit through the infield.
Porepunkah’s Billy Scorsese then had a critical at bat (7th batter) and with a safe hit scored three runs for the Panthers, with the Panthers scoring five runs for the innings.
The Albury Bears responded by also scoring five runs, Porepunkah were very good in the field, with Rylan McCormack taking classic catch at shortstop for one out and Billy Scorsese in left field also taking a very high difficult fly ball for another out being the highlight.
The second inning’s had Porepunkah scoring one run, Sophie Giuliano hit safely then
Mina Meddings infield hit then helping Sophie to second base bringing up Billy Scorsese who went big with a two base hit scoring the runner.
The Bears then took the lead by scoring five runs, Panther Jimmi Rocket Jagger throwing out two runners at first base helping restrict the Bears runs.
Down 10-6 going into the top of the third inning’s the Panthers once again found the bat and rallied.
Leadoff batter Rylan McCormack smashing a double bagger, followed by Byron Smith, Archer Harris and Nick Giuliano and Zoe Caswell who all had their second safe hits of the day.
Casey Pronk also hit safely to score and the Panthers had six runs cross the plate.
Leading by two runs with the Bears still to bat it was up to the Panthers to show clean glove work. And they did.
Porepunkah’s Sophie Giuliano fielded cleanly for an out at first base, Ollie Smith taking a fantastic catch at right field for the second out and shortstop Rylan McCormack cleanly making the third out allowing the Albury Bears two runs.
With the game tied 12-12 going into the last innings it was Porepunkah who refused to let up.
Panthers Billy Scorsese and Sophie Giuliano hit safely hits to get on base, with Austin Scorsese’s sacrifice hit helping the runners around.
Ollie Smith hit safely into left field bringing two runs along with Jimmi Rocket Jagger who collected his second safe hit of the day.
Hanna Caswell was the critical batter who hit perfectly to get on base and help Porepunkah score five runs for the innings
To win the match Porepunkah needed the three outs fielding, sounds easy, but the pressure was on and when the first three Albury Bears batters hit double base hits the Panthers needed something special to happen.
Porepunkah then had a “double play” with third base Sophie Giuliano taking a fantastic catch then throwing to second base, who threw to first base to get the runner out who hadn’t “tagged up”.
This play turned the game.
The third out coming from Pitcher Archer Harris who fielded a sharp hit ball and threw the batter out at first base.
What a huge effort from our youngest side.
Final score. Porepunkah Panthers 17. Def. 14 Albury Bears.
MVP for the final was Porepunkah’s Jimmi Rocket Jagger who was great fielding having three outs and had two safe hits one being a double.
This is a huge boost for the club, with head coach Jarrod Smith leading the way in our junior development, and we thank you for your time and effort.
Assistant coaches Paul Meddings, Andrew Smith and Josh Harris also have been great role models and helping base coach when needed throughout the season.
Porepunkah will have the C grade and B grade grand final this Sunday at the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball complex, with C grade starting at 10.30 and B grade at 12.00.
All welcome to come and support.

The Porepunkah Panthers C grade came up against Wangaratta Rangers Black at Targoora Park Wangaratta, in the Semi-final, with a place in the grand final up for grabs. In the top of the first, Panther’s leadoff batter Jarrod McCormack did his job and got on base via a walk. He then put to use his good wheels in stealing around to 3rd base. Victoria Schmidt then stepped to the plate and proceeded to smash the ball into right field to bring in Jarrod and put the Panthers on the board. Some sharp pitching from Wang then sat the next couple of batters down.
Wade Pronk stepped onto the bump first for Porepunkah, throwing to Wesley Booth behind the dish. The left-handed hurler took a little while to settle in however when on target proving a handful for the Rangers. Wade allowed 2 hits and 5 runs over the 1st innings, striking out 3 and walking 6. Trailing by 4 runs, the Panthers rallied in the 2nd, starting with lead off Peter Alexander hitting a clean single to 3rd and being an RBI for Booth who had nice contact to second base. Fabian Giuliano took had a quality at bat ending with a walk. Returning to the top of the innings, McCormack cracked a single to deep short and advanced Fabian. Jarrod and Fabian then capitalised on a couple of fielding errors to cross the plate and close the gap in the score to 1 run. Victoria kept her 'hot bat' running, putting a hard-hit ball into centre field. Jason Brown hustled one out from shortstop however was left stranded with Vic on base.
Super coach James 'Jimbo' Rogers, brought in Paige Anders in relief. The righty was immediately backed up in the field, with 1st baseman Geordie McEwan fielding truly for an unassisted put out and then combining with 3rd baseman Brown, who smoothly fielded a ground ball and threw accurately across the diamond. With a strike out thrown in there, the Panthers kept the Rangers scoreless and went into the 3rd innings with momentum.
The first 3 batters, Ethan Edwards, Alexander and McEwan showed good eyes, and received walks. Paige Anders then singled to 3rd, advancing all runners including Ethan across the plate. Next Pitch Fabian put the ball in play with the same outcome, bringing in Peter which was the go ahead run. Returning to the top of the lineup, with loaded bases, McCormack branded one over the left fielder’s head for a massive 3 base hit, bringing in McEwan, Anders and Giuliano (who had to leg it all the way from 1st with Speedy Jarrod on his heels). Victoria kept the contact going, hitting into a fielder’s choice (where Jarrod was out at the plate) and next up Browny again hustling out a throw from 3rd. Randy Skippen didn't want to miss out, so proceeded to get himself an RBI, bringing in Vic with a single into right field. Browny then getting home on a Passed ball, finishing the innings with the maximum of 7 runs being scored by the Panthers and put the score at 11–5 their way.
After a walk and a couple of strikeouts, where Anders was starting to show great command of her breaking balls, the Rangers found a single and scored a run. Victoria then capped off a good day with the bat by rounding up a ground ball and tossing it to McEwan, getting the 3rd out. That was time and game and the Porepunkah Panthers advanced to the NEBA C Grade grand final. The Panthers C grade will play next Sunday 6th September, Joining the Panthers B grade, who are also in the Grand Final, to be played at Gayview Park in Wodonga, starting at 10:00. We hope to see a good turnout for the final game of what has been a very enjoyable season.

24/08/2026

U12s- The Porepunkah Panthers U12s are into the grand final after defeating the Wangaratta Rangers 16-8 on Sunday.
In front of a supportive crowd, the Panthers combined good batting, base running and fielding to set up the win.
The first inning’s had Wangaratta score 6 runs, and the Panthers respond by scoring 5.
Leadoff batter Casey Pronk hit safely, Sophie Giuliano, Billy Scorsis, Byron Smith and Ryland McCormack all got in on the action getting safe hits and crossing the plate.
The second innings was the perfect innings for the Porepunkah, shutting out Wangaratta with three up three down.
Panther Jimi Rocket Jagger fired one from centre field to Mina Meddings who tagged out the runner at second base for the first out.
Pitcher Sophie Giuliano fielded and threw to first base for the second out.
Archer Harris at third base showed a strong arm with accuracy to get the third out, hitting the glove of first base Nick Giuliano.
After keeping Wangaratta scoreless the Panthers took control and battled in six runs,
Casey Pronk and Sophie Giuliano along with Jimi Rocket Jagger all hit safely to score, Panthers Archer Harris, Ollie Smith and Austin Scorsis were in the action getting their first opportunity to bat and didn’t disappoint all getting safe hits and crossing the plate.
With the score 11–6 Panthers way going into the third, dig it was a strong showing in the field again for Porepunkah who allowed Wangaratta only one run.
The highlight being Archer Harris and Sophie Giuliano both taking very tricky flyballs for two of the outs.
The Panthers were then kept scoreless in their innings.
The last innings had Porepunkah take the game away by allowing Wangaratta only one run again.
This time Panther Pitcher Casey Pronk was involved with two of the outs.
The Panthers then went in and scored five runs, with Casey Pronk, Sophie Giuliano and Jimi Rocket all racking up three safe hits for the day.
Byron Smith hit a big one over the centre fielders head and had a great slide into second only to be just short.
Panthers Ollie Smith and Mina Meddings then hit safely to score with the game finishing 16-8 in Porepunkah’s favour.
Great effort U12s.
The grand final will be this coming Sunday at the Wangaratta Baseball ground,
Game starting at 10.30am all supporters’ welcome.
Go Panthers.

The 15's panthers go down in an epic semifinal that went 9 Innings.
In what was a beautiful day for baseball, the 15's Panthers came up against the Nth Albury Bears in an elimination final in Wangaratta. The Bears had been the dominant team in the association for the year, losing only 1 H & A game. In what was a pitcher’s duel, Paige Anders started on the bump for the Panthers. After going 3 up 3 down in the top of the 1st, the bears scored 2 runs in their first innings to start the score board ticking. The second innings remained scoreless with both pitchers finding the zone frequently. In the top of the 3rd, Kobe Buckland had a quality at bat ending with a base on balls. He then used his speed around the base paths to reach 3rd. With Steph Alexander in the box, she put the first ball in play (against a pitcher throwing smoke), to bat Kobe home and put the Panthers on the score board.
The scores remained the same until the top of the 5th. Knowing this would most likely be the last innings, the Panthers lead off, Rory Clark, received a walk and then stole 2nd base. Cohen Guest-Smith, up next, continued from the last game (where his bat has been running hot) and smashed a single to bring Rory home. Stealing his way to 3rd base, Cohen was able to take advantage of a passed ball and scored the equalising run. Then once the Bears went out to bat the Panthers kept them scoreless with shortstop Eamon Thomson and Pitcher Paige fielding ground balls cleanly and combining with the safe glove of Rylan Harris at 1st base.
At this point the regular game time of 1hr and 20 minutes had just passed. In the regular season, a draw would be recorded and the game finished. With a result needed for the finals, the game went into extra innings. At this point Paige who had gone the 5 innings for 10 strikeouts, 4 walks and 6 hits, was taken off the mound. Eamon (Easy E) Thomson came on in relief, and showed he was not overwhelmed by the situation. Both teams remained scoreless in that innings, although Zakk Podubinski found contact and was out to some sharp fielding. In the 7th, Rory found a single and after stealing 2nd was in scoring position. Cohen was again able to deliver, hitting a hard ground ball, scoring Rory and putting the Panthers in front for the first time for the day. The Bears responded in the bottom of the innings after receiving a walk and making their way around the base path. Some exceptional fielding from the Panthers, both Paige at short stop, a super sharp catch and equally sharp pick up and throw as well as Hunter Harris hunting one down, keeping the scoreboard even and continuing the extra innings.
The 8th remained scoreless, in the field, Yuna Meddings and Paige again backed up Eamons clutch performance in relief, and a close call at home plate on a tag by Eamon, sent the game into the ninth. In the bottom of the 9th, the bears strung a couple of nice hits together and were able to score the winning run. By that time, the game had gone for an extra 4 innings (55 minutes longer), finishing 5–4 down. Eamon had gone 4 innings in relief, recording 4 strikeouts, 4 walks, and giving up 3 hits in a stellar effort. All round, the whole team had produced a wonderful display of baseball, which will be remembered by all present as an epic game for the ages. Thanks again go to all that have been involved in helping to make these moments possible, all coaches, parents, volunteers and of course players, thanks for the season.
Although that's the end of the season for our 15's, the club still has their other 3 grades playing finals which we will be cheering on, Go Panthers.

C Grade had a bye but will start their playoffs next weekend against Wangaratta Rangers Black

B grade-In the Qualifying final against the Wangaratta Rangers it was the Porepunkah Panthers who came out on top to advance to the grand finale.
The top of the first inning’s had Wangaratta bat.
Porepunkah’s starting pitcher Luka Barthelmes started off on fire, quickly striking out a batter and forcing a fly ball caught by Rian Banks at first.
The third out came via a ground ball to shortstop Josh Harris.
Porepunkah managed one run in them at bat, with Luka Barthelmes hitting safely then stealing his way around to third base to score on a wild pitch.
The second innings had Wangaratta scoreless, with the highlight being Panther Paul Meddings taking a hard hit catch in centre field.
The Panthers bats then made the most of some of Wangaratta’s inaccurate pitching.
Leadoff batter Luka Barthelmes and second batter Randy Skippen along with Rian Banks were all hit by pitch and Josh Harris received a walk loading the bases.
With two out and on a full count (2 strikes 3 balls) it was Panther Damon Barker who came in with the clutch hit, going long into the fence for a three base hit.
Jarrod Smith continued his good form hitting safely to bring in Damon and score himself on a wild pitch.
Wangaratta hit back in the third innings scoring three runs and keeping Porepunkah scoreless.
With the score sitting 8-3 Porepunkah’s way at the top of the fourth dig the Panthers had a pitching change.
Dean Anders allowing only one run to cross the plate, with a ground out to Josh Harris at shortstop.
The Panthers also had a double play with Luka Barthelmes taking a catch in right field then throwing to second base to get the base runner out.
The Panthers were kept scoreless in them at bat.
In the fifth innings the game was broken apart by the Panthers, two flyballs caught by Randy Skippen at second and Rian Banks at first and a throw out by Jarrod Smith at third base kept the Rangers scoreless.
Porepunkah went in and batted in seven runs, with Dean Anders, Mason Anders and Randy Skippen getting in on the action with safe hits.
Great effort in making the Grand Final and having the week off.
Final score. Porepunkah. 15. Def. 4. Wangaratta

21/08/2026

Under 12’s time correction