The Steinbach Pioneers were just one win away from playing for a championship banner this past weekend in Morden.

The Pioneers dropped a 6-1 decision to Winkler in the semifinals of Baseball Manitoba's Provincial 11U AA Championship.

"It was a great overall weekend," said Steinbach coach Darren Coldwell. "Lots of ball and at this age group, that was the highest level in Manitoba so it was a great overall experience."

The Carillon Minor Baseball Association champions won a pair of games on day one as they defeated East Selkirk 6-4 and then blanked BoniVital 2-0.

The Pioneers lost 1-0 to Winker and then qualified for the playoffs thanks to a 7-0 victory over Souris in their round robin finale on day two.

Coldwell was extremely pleased with his teams work ethic and how much fun they had at the provincials.

"They're just an enjoyable group to coach. They give full effort every game."

As for the one team that had their number in Morden...Coldwell said pitching depth was the difference against Winkler.

"I thought both teams were very good. That round robin game was an extra inning game. They're a good ball club. It was 1-1 going into the fifth inning in the semifinal and they just opened it up on us."

It was a stifling hot weekend and extra precautions were taken at the provincials to make sure everyone was looked after.

"Coaches and parents did a great job with the kids," Coldwell remarked. "They had spray bottles for the players, watermelon, Gatorade, lots of water and at the end of the day they jumped into Lake Minnewasta which was nice."

"I'm very proud of this group," added coach Coldwell. "We've had pretty much the same group the last two years. Last year as a bunch of first year mosquitos we made it to the A provincials so our goal this year with the same group was to make it to AA. Coming out of Carillon is a feat in itself. There is a lot of good ball players in this area. Ball is growing in Carillon and it's good to see."