The Palmerston Imperials are national champions.
The host entry went undefeated through 10 games to win the Canadian U14 Fastpitch Championships, held here on Aug. 9 to 13.
The Palmerston side bested teams from Ontario, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia to win the eight-team tournament, wrapping things up with a 4-1 victory over the Shallow Lake Sting at the Barb Wright Diamond on Sunday afternoon.
Connor Brooks of the Imperials, a mix of players from the local area and around the province, was named top player in the tournament.
Brooks, a Napanee resident, pitched 28 and two-thirds scoreless innings in the tournament, allowing only seven hits and six walks throughout the event.
Brooks also batted .625 through seven games in the opening round, leading the tournament, and .375 through three playoff games, driving in six runs along the way.
Ontario teams dominated the medal haul, with the Imperials taking gold, the Sting silver and the Tavistock Athletics earning bronze.
The effort to bring a national championship tournament began more than 18 months ago, with Palmerston resident Wayne Martin and his son Joel Martin, one of the coaches of the Imperials spearheading the effort.
“I’d like to congratulate everybody on their accomplishments this week, especially Wayne Martin and his crew. What a tournament they organized. Very well done,” said Town of Minto deputy mayor Ron Faulkner at the medal presentation ceremony on Aug. 13.
