In a best of three series against the Battlefords Bantam Bandits, the Unity Bantam Panthers played their hearts out to win the first two games to advance to this year’s Saskatchewan Summer Games in Meadow Lake in August. 

The team is a combination of both Unity and Kindersley players and includes one from Wilkie and one from Macklin as well. 

The first game was a close match up. Unity took the lead in the third inning after some costly errors for the Bandits. Battlefords came within one run, as they lead 7-6 in the bottom of seventh inning, but Unity kept on the bats and base stealing and came out victorious with a 9-7 win.

The second game, Unity came out swinging and again capitalized on some Bandits’ errors coming out with a 13-6 final score.

Following the game, players and coaches were instructed by Rivers West Sports District representative, Arlene Southgate, on what was required and needed from them prior to the games in Meadow Lake. The Panthers also added two players from the Bandits’ roster for the Summer Games after defeating them.

For coach Brent Weber, this makes for a busy ball season as he also coaches the Unity Bantams and they will be heading to their provincials. In addition, Weber also coaches the Zone 7 team for the second year that will head to the Fall Ball Provincial Championships in Moosomin for the September long weekend. Tryouts for this event will be July 22 weekend in Unity.

Pending success at tryouts, this could mean an active ball season for several players as they will be part of all three bantam teams this year.