The Annual Valley East Men’s Slo-Pitch League Barn Dance Tournament is always considered one of the highlights of the season for local ball players. It provides a weekend of competition and fun for men and women, both on the ball diamonds and on the social front.

This year, seven teams took part in the Men’s Open Division. The four game preliminaries ended up in a three way tie for first place between Timmins, Dupuis Auto and Clearview. A Sudbury club, Crosco rounded out the top four. In the semi-finals, Crosco upset Timmins, while Dupuis put away Clearview. The finals could have gone either way, but consistent hitting and excellent defensive play allowed Dupuis to build up an early lead and never look back to take the championship in a decisive manner.

The Ladies’ Open Division finals provided the most dramatic finish to the weekend. The Free Agents and JAFT seem to end up meeting each other in the finals during most tournaments, so it was no surprise to see them squaring off once again. With the Free Agents up one run in the bottom of the 7^th, and a JAFT player on second representing the tying run, the batter hit a line drive to centre field. The runner rounded 3^rd and headed for home. The centre fielder threw a hard one hopper to the plate. The catcher stretched out on the ground, keeping her toe in contact with the plate and made the spectacular catch to end the game and salt away the championship with the very last play of the weekend.

Auto Depot edged out Renegades in a real defensive battle to take the Men’s A Division.

The Titans downed Hanmer Bowl to capture the honours in the Men’s B Division.

Kwik-Way defeated Buddies to take the Men’s C Division.

And, Caza Auto took B.T. Paving to win the Men’s D Division.