Terry Waitere hit a home run and took six outs at short stop in Giants win over Tawa. PHOTO/FILE
SOFTBALL
GIANTS 6
TAWA 0
A strong defensive effort was the catalyst for Giants coming away with a comfortable win to start their Intercity Premier Three Championship at South Park on Saturday.
Led by veteran pitcher Tony Nixon, who struck out seven batters and proved hard to get away, Giants were too good for their younger, inexperienced opponents.
Team member Chris Feary felt that although the players were a bit rusty, especially with the bat, it was a strong showing.
“The defence in the infield was real tight and there was only something like three safe hits. Terry Waitere at short-stop took six outs and Riley Hanson had a great first game catching and he made some real good calls at good times,” Feary said.
Waitere was in the thick of the action with the bat as well, clearing the fence for an automatic home run, while Rob Barnes connected with two big hits to left field.
“We got in there when we had to hit the ball and for a team that has had only one training two weeks ago it was not a bad effort,” Feary said.
The Giants women also started their season, hosting Te Aroha in the first round of the Hutt Valley Premier Three Championship.
Giants led by two runs going into the final inning, but couldn’t hold out the strong Te Aroha batters, falling to a 10-9 loss.
