Giants Blue face a crucial game in their push for a semifinal in the Hutt Valley Premier Reserve – Premier Two Championship when they take on Demons at Fraser Park, Lower Hutt, tomorrow afternoon.
The Blues are sitting third in the combined competition, two points behind joint leaders Tōtara Park and Hutt City United. A win over sixth-placed Demons, who have only one win, would keep them in the hunt for a top-two finish, and Giants spokesman Chris Feary reckons it’s crucial the Blues win to strengthen their prospects.
“It’s getting to a point where they really need to go out and win this game to keep in the game because the lower they get, the tougher it gets, and if they come fourth, they could have to play Hutt City United,” Feary said.
“I wouldn’t be taking Demons lightly; they are a team that can sneak up on you really quickly, and the next thing you know, they’ve got you in trouble, and it’s hard to bring it back, but I would be confident that Giants will come away with a win.”
Feary expects young pitcher Kortez Paku to start on the mound after an impressive showing in the 13–3 win over Wainui two weeks ago, saying it would be a good tactical move by player-coach Justin ‘Chunky’ Karaitiana, who is the usual starting pitcher.
“By all accounts, Kortez pitched a hell of a game against Wainui, and it gives Chunky that extra time to rest, and he can always come on if needed.”
Feary’s Giants Red team have the bye in the Premier Three championship.
The Giants women will take to the diamond for only the third time in 2024 and their first game in three weeks when they line up against Te Aroha at Fraser Park. Feary predicts a tough game against the Hutt Valley Women’s Premier Three leaders.
“Te Aroha are a pretty good team, and unfortunately, our women keep getting these long layoffs – three or four weeks – and you can do all the training in the world, but it’s game time that really matters,” he said.
“They will give it 100 per cent, and we always expect them to come out with a win, but it’s going to be a very tough game, and they’re going to have to play really smart.”
Giants have one team at home tomorrow; their under-13s will play Saints at South Park at 10.30 am.
