The Doncaster Dragons are the 2022-23 Summer League Division 2 Minor Premiers!

The title was clinched with a terrific performance in a high-standard game at Port Melbourne on Saturday, which the Dragons won 4-1 in 10 innings.

It was Doncaster’s eighth consecutive win since the Christmas break, capping a remarkable turnaround after losing three of the first four games of the season. 

With Port Melbourne needing to win to have a chance of making the playoffs, this was always going to be a high-intensity contest. 

The Dragons got on the board in the second inning when Marcel D’Avoine walked, Spencer Veal was hit by a pitch, Angus Cooke singled and Brendan McDonald hit an RBI single that almost turned into two runs when Veal was thrown out in a close play at home.

The lead didn’t last long, as Port Melbourne scored an unearned run in the third inning to tie the score.

The 1-1 score did not change through nine innings, with starting pitcher John Britton producing  another stellar effort. Britton finished with nine innings pitched, allowing nine hits and two walks, with five strikeouts.

But everything changed in the 10th, which began with runners on first and second. Jean Alvarado doubled to score one run, then McDonald singled to drive in two more.

The bottom of the 10th was a tense time, with D’Avoine taking over mound duties and starting with two runners on base. A walk loaded the bases, but two strikeouts and a groundout ended the threat and ensured the Dragons would win the championship.

Playoff details are yet to be finalised but it's likely to be against Williamstown on Thursday night at a venue to be determined, but whatever happens, Doncaster will be promoted to Division One next season.