Tough start for the Giants

The Giants Premier Reserve team had a tough start to the season, going down eight runs to four against a strong-looking Hutt City United team at South Park on Saturday. Missing a few players from last season, and still without their recently-signed Australian pitcher, the team couldn’t match the Hutt team in their first outing after promotion to the Premier Reserve competition.

Veteran pitcher Tony Nixon stepped up to the plate, and despite his vast experience and skill I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that it’s a very tough ask for someone his age to pitch consistently perfect balls at this level. That said, believe me he can still pitch a good ball. Looking directly at him through a long lens it’s amazing to see the ball swing and arc through the air, with most arriving right in the strike zone.

While I was only able to stay for a couple of innings, it was good to see some very positive play from some of the youngsters. In particular Corey Thomas, Rico Hillman and Ryan Lovell impressed with their strong batting skills and their Sean Robinson-like enthusiasm to get to second base at the first possible opportunity.

The team’s next game is away (sorry, the Intercity Softball site doesn’t have the draw available yet). The Premier 3 Men start their season against Dodgers White and the women start their campaign against Totara Park in the Social Women’s grade. Both games are at South Park at 1pm on Saturday.