Australian softball star Andrew Kirkpatrick tasted national championship glory for the 14th time on Saturday, but none as sweet as this.
Kirkpatrick, 32, coached ACT for the first time and successfully avenged last year's final loss against New South Wales, beating Queensland to claim a 10th title in 12 years.
ACT players celebrate their 10th men's national softball championships in 12 years on Saturday.Credit:Roy Meuronen
Kirkpatrick was named MVP in the final after pitching a seven-inning shutout en route to a 3-0 victory against the Queensland.
"This one was pretty special because it was the first time I've coached the team and to see the young fellas improve their game and compete on the national level, they just proved they're top class," he said.
"It was a tough game, we have a young team with everyone except me is under 21, but we train harder than any other state and it has all paid off.
"I picked up the MVP award but our catcher Nick Norton had a very good game, all the boys put in a lot of hard work and did well to get the result."
Canberra hosted the annual tournament for the first time in six years and Kirkpatrick said the home support got his side over the line.
"Obviously our team has been very strong team for a number of years but after losing last year we had a lot of motivation, especially being at home," he said.
"We had a huge support base and it was great to win in front of our family and friends, we celebrated with everyone on Saturday night and again today [Sunday]."
Kirkpatrick anticipates several of his players will gain selection in the Australian side set to compete at the world championships in Canada this July, but the player-coach won't be one of them.
"I've played for Australia for the past 15 years but I retired this year because there's just not enough funding, it simply costs too much," he said.
"But I'll definitely play for the ACT for a few more years."
Eamonn Tiernan is a sports reporter with The Canberra Times