Premier 2 batter Tarquin Karaitiana gave a standout performance in their 6-2 win over Porirua City United. PHOTO/FILE
SOFTBALL
ELI HILL
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The Giants chances of claiming some silverware this season are looking good.
All four Giants sides are now standing in the top four in their competitions after Saturday’s softball when all teams playing won their matches.
The Giants Premier 2 side had a must-win game against Porirua City United, as going in they were sitting fifth in the overall standings.
After conceding a run in the first innings, the Giants took control of the game in the middle innings, scoring four runs and a further two in the sixth to take out the match 6-2.
Tarquin Karaitiana was a standout for the side, recording hits two of his four times at bat and making solid defensive plays at second base.
Coach Gordon Wilmshurst said the win against Porirua United would prove to be a pivotal point in the Giants season.
“We need to keep in touch with the top of the table teams as we jostle for semi-final spots . . . we’re now fourth equal with two games to play.”
Back at home the Presidents team maintained their number one position with a 5-0 victory against Wainuiomata.
Giants pitcher Tony Nixon held the batters down to just three safe hits in the game, while a strong defensive effort in the field meant Wainuiomata couldn’t capitalise on them.
This opened up the game for the Giants batters, who scored three runs in the second innings, and two more in the third.
Presidents coach Russell Kawana said the top four clash had been a good game for the team.
“We were the top seeds and they were fourth going into it. Their pitcher Delaney is strong, but we just got the jump on them.
“They had their chances. At one point they had three loaded bases, but our defence did a really good job of keeping them scoreless.”
In the Hutt Valley, the Giants Premier 2 Women demolished Stokes Valley 15-3 while the Giants Under-15 side beat Hutt Valley’s Dodgers 6-2 at home.
The Under-13 side had a bye at the weekend but have also made it into the top four having been beaten just once this season.
Giants president Chris Feary said the Giants haven’t had the whole club in the top four for a while.
“We have two games to go until the semi-finals and now we’re in the top fours it’s just a matter of getting good positions going into it.
“The Premier 2 Men in particular are playing above expectations, with their wins against Johnsonville and Porirua City United. They’re really doing the club proud.”
