Plenty of runs at South Park

A good-sized crowd witnessed a great afternoon for two of the three senior Giants softball teams at South Park on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the Premier Reserves game was cancelled but the Premier 3’s and the women’s teams played some great softball and each scored fourteen runs to keep the local supporters happy.

Bena Moeahu slogs the to the outfield during her team's 14-0 win over Totara Park

The women play in the Hutt Valley Women’s Social competition and while the game was played in a serious but also in a good social spirit, the Giants played anything but leisurely, running away with the game fourteen to nil over a somewhat lacklustre Totora Park team. The local girls showed no mercy to the visitor’s pitchers, whacking the ball all over the field and were quickly about ten runs ahead going into the third innings. The run rate did slow a little as the team made sure the whole squad including the less-experienced players, had opportunity to participate.

It was the first game of the season but if the team continues to play like they did, I don’t think it’ll be long before they might want to jump up a grade or two. I did notice the team were playing well at the end of last year, but based on Saturday’s performance they’re definitely benefiting from some good coaching, team discipline and management, yet still making sure that they’re all thoroughly enjoying themselves.

At the same time the women were playing on the grass diamond, the Giants Premier 3 team met Dodgers White on the lime diamond in their first game of the year. They too played very well, running away with the game fourteen points to four. While it was hard to watch both games at the same time, I did see plenty of good, solid batting, positive running between the bases, and some good, accurate work in the field.

Niko Broughton at first base for the Giants Premier 3 side

Final Scores (unofficial)

Giants Women; 14 (vs) Totara Park; nil

Giants Premier 3; 14 (vs) HV Dodgers White; 4

All the photos are online. Just 18 of the Premier 3 game, and 12 of those are of Terry! There are 53 photos of the women’s game. Just go to the Latest Sports Photos page and you’ll see the links.