Giants Blue 9
Wainuiomata 2
Giants Blue got the defence of their Intercity Premier Two Championship off to the ideal start with a convincing win over Wainuiomata at South Park on Saturday.
The home side controlled the contest from the first inning and were quick to pounce on the many Wainuiomata fielding errors. Devon Herangi benefitted the most, scoring an infield home run on the back of two errors. The first the fielder overthrew to first base, who then threw over third base, gifting Cocks the easiest of run-ins to home plate.
Giants stalwart Chris Feary said other than Herangi’s effort, it was simply a case of good batting by the Blues, who regularly found gaps or capitalised on misfields, as well as some very good base running.
He also had sympathy for the visiting pitcher, who he felt pitched well but was let down by a shoddy fielding effort.
There were also signs of early-season rustiness from the Blues, although Feary said the players settled the better and were dominant from the outset.
Player-coach Justin “Chunky” Karaitiana pitched the entire game, with his backup and new recruit Shane Kirkwood set to play his first game for the team on Saturday in their away clash with Kapiti.
Giants Red also picked up the win in Premier Three, but disappointingly by default. They hope to get on the diamond on Saturday against Demons at Fraser Park, Lower Hutt.
