FROM one dynasty to the next.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After nine seasons as the undisputed kings of Newcastle baseball, Belmont now find themselves with a legitimate challenger.
At Miller Field on Saturday, the Seagulls suffered a third straight grand final defeat at the hands of the competition's new dominant force, Toronto Tigers.
Toronto's 15-3 triumph followed a 7-4 victory in last year's decider, and a 25-11 win in 2017 to secure their maiden title.
"I guess this one feels a little bit more special, knowing that you've got a group of guys putting in the effort, season upon season," Toronto skipper Michael Campbell said.
"I suppose you could say we're creating a bit of a dynasty. It's very satisfying to win one grand final, let alone three in a row."
Asked if he felt Toronto were capable of eventually emulating Belmont's nine-season reign, Campbell said there was still a long way to go.
"Of course you'd like to do that, but you just have to take it season by season, year by year," he said.
"It's obviously a huge task to get to that level, but anything is possible if you put in a lot of hard work and keep on blooding young players and bringing them through your system."
Toronto are likely to be equally as formidable next season, as Campbell expects to retain their entire championship-winning side.
"I'm fairly confident that the whole crew will be back next year," he said.
"Nobody is talking about hanging up the boots."
Saturday's grand final swung when Toronto produced a seven-run third inning, which included a home run from the skipper.
Belmont gained a measure of consolation with a 6-5 win against Toronto in second grade.