For the past six years, Northampton has been in the NORCO (Northampton County) Legion finals.

Unfortunately, the Konkrete Kids have fallen short every time.

Monday night, Northampton suffered its latest defeat in 6-3 defeat to the Wanderers, who captured the league title in the best-of-three series. The Wanderers edged Northampton, 3-2, Monday.

The Wanderers have been the Kids’ proverbial thorn in their side, defeating them in the finals three of the last four years. Northampton defeated Nazareth in two straight games (1-0, 3-2) to advance to the final round.

“It has been a great rivalry between the two of us,” said veteran manager Steve Kerbacher. “We know each other well, and we have had many competitive games over the years.

“We have managed to get to the finals, but one day, we’ll break through.”

Kerbacher cited Owen Laury for his pitching effort in the opening game, and Matt Merced knocked in both runs.

In the second game, Kerbacher credited Merced, Sam Erschen, Ian Onuschak, and Evan Hughes for their timely hits. Erschen started the game on the mound. and Merced took over in the third.

Northampton finished the regular season with an 11-2-1 record, tied with the Wanderers for the regular-season title. They managed their stellar record despite having six games with 10 players or less, and having players leaving for vacation. The Kids had their full complement of 14 players for the championship round.

They will advance to the state regional tournament at Boyertown, where they will meet Pennridge in an opening-game Saturday at 11 a.m. The Kids advanced to the final round before they were eliminated by Wilson West Lawn, which also beat the Kids in the opening game.

Kerbacher is confident his team can make another deep run. Top of the rotation starters Hunter Corrow and Evan Hughes should get the nods in the regional round, as they will have a week of rest.

“Our pitchers will be rested,” he said. “Our kids have battled all year, and we didn’t quit in the finals. We scored a run in the last inning and we had two guys on.

“Every team we face now is a very good one, but our kids are confident.”