Kapiti vs Giants Blue –
Te Atiawa Park,
Paraparaumu 1pm
Giants Blue are gunning for two from two when they make the long trip to the Kapiti coast for their second round Intercity Premier Two encounter tomorrow.
The Blues were convincing 9–2 winners over Wainuiomata last Saturday in a game dominated by the pitching of player-coach Justin ‘Chunky’ Karaitiana.
The veteran thrower pitched throughout the win and could do so again tomorrow, although he has the backup of calling on the experience of Shane Kirkwood, who is making his debut for the team after transferring from Manawatu.
Giants spokesman Chris Feary feels that the acquisition of Kirkwood, who has close connections with the club having played with many of the players in the Wairarapa Evergreens side, brings some depth and experience after the departure of Blair Thompson to Wellington.
“Shane will fill the same role as Blair Thompson did, keeping things level-headed in the infield, and when he’s not pitching, he will likely play first base,” Feary said.
“He’s also a good bat and gives the boys another power-hitting option. He played and pitched overseas in his younger days and is pretty handy.”
Feary said there is also plenty of young talent with the likes of Sean Robinson, Kortez Paku, Rico Hillman, and Devon Herangi, who all showed their prowess with good batting and strong base running in the win over Wainui.
Demons vs Giants Red –
Fraser Park,
Lower Hutt 3.30 pm
Giants Red can expect a torrid encounter when they take the diamond for the first time in Intercity Premier Three against Demons tomorrow.
The Reds picked up their first points last Saturday with a win by default over Poneke-Kilbirnie, and Feary, who plays for the side, reckons their rustiness could play into Demons hands.
“In the past, we’ve had the wood over Demons, but they could have some new players this season, and I think it will be quite a challenging game,” he said.
“They’ve been playing Hutt Valley midweek, so they’ve got a few games under their belt, and they will come at us hard. Everybody does; they all want to beat the Giants.”
Veteran pitcher Tony Nixon is coaching the side after the retirement of Russell Kawana, and he has assembled an experienced squad, along with some promising young players. The strength, though, probably lies in the batting with power hitters such as Gordon Wilmshurst, Terry and Willy Waitere, and possibly Matt Kawana.
Feary said it is vital to get another two points, with the shortened Intercity season finishing in December.
