Rangers celebrate C grade premiership as B grade falls just short

The Wangaratta Rangers have finished their 2026 season with plenty of pride, celebrating a dominant C grade Orange grand final victory while B grade Black narrowly missed out on premiership glory in Wodonga on Sunday. It was a fitting end to an impressive season for the Rangers, with the club's senior and junior sides continuing to make their mark across the North East Baseball Association competition. C grade Orange claims grand final glory Rangers C grade Orange produced a dominant display in the grand final, running away from the Porepunkah Panthers 15-3 to claim the premiership. The Rangers wasted no time establishing control, scoring twice in the opening inning before producing a seven-run explosion in the second. Sarah Warfe delivered a crucial two-run single, while Alex Corral, Jack Dean and the Rangers' aggressive running game continued to put pressure on Porepunkah. Wangaratta then put the result beyond doubt with another six runs in the third inning. Darcy Sanders smashed a two-run double before Corral grounded out to bring two more runs across the plate. A further two runs came via a Porepunkah error, giving the Rangers a commanding 15-3 advantage. Sanders and Warfe were particularly influential, each driving in two runs, while Taylor Jones, William Borlasa, Dean, Sanders, Corral and Warfe all contributed hits. The Rangers' running game was once again a major weapon. Wangaratta stole an incredible 16 bases, continuing a trend that had been a feature of their successful season. The defensive effort was also strong, with the Rangers applying pressure throughout the game and taking advantage of every opportunity presented to them. Sanders was outstanding on the mound, working three innings and allowing just two hits and three runs while striking out three. The final whistle brought celebrations for a Rangers Orange side that has been one of the club's most consistent teams throughout the season. A 15-3 grand final victory is a fitting reward for a group that has worked hard all season and played an exciting, aggressive brand of baseball. B grade Black falls just short Rangers B grade Black entered their grand final full of confidence after finishing second on the ladder and fighting their way through a challenging finals series. The Rangers faced the Porepunkah Panthers in Wodonga but were ultimately defeated in a tight contest. Despite collecting eight hits to Porepunkah's six, Wangaratta couldn't quite convert enough of their opportunities into runs. The Rangers opened the scoring in the first inning when Paul Maiden singled to drive in a run, but Porepunkah responded immediately before taking a 4-1 lead in the second inning. The Rangers then produced an excellent response in the third, putting together a big offensive inning. Tony Smith was hit by a pitch, Brendon French singled, Daniel Wells walked, Heath French singled and Seth Rees was hit by a pitch as Wangaratta surged back into the contest. Brendon French then delivered again in the fourth, doubling to drive in another run and put the Rangers ahead 7-6. Unfortunately, Porepunkah responded with three runs in the bottom of the fourth and ultimately held on for the victory. Brendon French led the Rangers with two hits and two RBIs, while the Rangers were particularly impressive defensively, completing the game without committing an error. The defeat was undoubtedly disappointing for a Rangers Black side that had finished second on the ladder and battled hard through the finals. However, reaching the grand final represents an excellent achievement and provides plenty of encouragement heading into next season.

Rangers celebrate C grade premiership as B grade falls just short

Wangaratta Chronicle, Wednesday, 9 September, 2026

Staffing review in Catholic schools

Court gives “final chance” to serial order breacher

Linking generations through theatre project

Most popular stories

Wangaratta Chronicle, Wednesday, 9 September, 2026

Staffing review in Catholic schools

Court gives “final chance” to serial order breacher

Linking generations through theatre project