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The Fredericton Royals earned the right to represent New Brunswick in the Bantam Boys National Championship in Québec City and their victory came in dramatic fashion.

“It was a huge comeback,” says Brad Dunphy, Head Coach of the Royals.  “We were down four runs going into the sixth inning and we ended up scoring three in the sixth and two in the seventh.  It was wild.”

This is the first time that Dunphy has led a team to the National Championships.  He was invited as an assistant coach for New Brunswick’s Junior team in 2006.  The excitement he exudes for the chance to lead his own team to the National Championships is evident.

“It’s going to be phenomenal,” says Dunphy.  “Last year, I was only an assistant coach and I didn’t have a huge responsibility, but it’s still one of the best times I ever had at the ballpark.”

“I love the atmosphere,” adds Dunphy.  “You show up at the field and you’re up against a Team Québec or Team Ontario or Team British Columbia, it’s awesome.”

Those teams, along with the others who will be at the tournament will present a good challenge for Team New Brunswick, but Dunphy is not quick to judge on how his team will compete.

“We feel that we have a very good team and we hope that we’ll be competitive,” says Dunphy, “but until we get there and we see what we’re up against, we’re not sure (how we will compete).  But we’re definitely optimistic.”

“I think that we’re pretty balanced (as a team),” adds the head coach.  “We have good defense and our pitching is strong, and hopefully the bats will be strong as well.”

The 2007 Baseball Canada Championships are a single site event that will be held in Québec City from August 8-12 and August 16-19.