For many competitions, Grand Final Day is the pinnacle of the season. In North Queensland, premierships are even sweeter with the privilege of playing off in a series of intercity cups.
In the A grade competition, this is the Landsberg Cup. Along with the name, the matchup between the two premiership sides from Cairns and Townsville follows a legacy in honour of Steve Landsberg.
To those who knew him across the region and beyond, Steve approached the game with inclusivity, mate-ship, integrity and of course, a smile.
This year, Townsville Taipans have the privilege of representing our city against the Cairns Heat.
Veteran of the team, Dion Searle, knows all too well what it means to play for this cup and is looking forward to the challenge and the comradery it has in stall.
"Playing in the Landsberg Cup, is a true test of the team game," Dion says.
"Throughout the season we get to know our opposition really well,
"We work to a game plan and the long game to give ourselves the best chance to be in finals."
The Landsberg Cup provides a different test with just one game to put it all on the line.
"There is only one chance - one game in this Cup. This is where we really come together as a team."
For Dion, this matchup is one of the highlights of his baseball season and he relishes the opportunity to stretch his baseball knowledge against new opposition.
"In games like this, everyone in the team is relying on each other throughout the whole game, communicating what they've seen, testing our knowledge and our abilities."
Despite this, he knows that the Taipans won't forget their core values, and love of the game.
"We always have and always will, play for each other. To my teammates - believe in yourselves, just as we your teammates and the club believe in you."
The Landsberg Cup is a reminder to us all of the true spirit in which we play this incredible game.
The Townsville Taipans Baseball Club acknowledge the family and close friends of Steve Landsberg and are grateful for the legacy he has left the North Queensland Baseball community with.
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