Battle of the pitchers could be key to victory

BAT ON BALL: Sparatans batter Chleo Reihana-Davis prepares to smash this pitch out of the ground. Picture by Liam Clayton

SOFTBALL

Old foes Scorpions and Rovers will go head to head in the Tairawhiti senior women’s softball final at Waikirikiri Park tomorrow at 3pm.

Scorpions are the form team, having won all their round-robin games.

But after a slow start, defending champions Rovers have turned the corner in their past two games and pose a real threat.

Tairiwhiti Softball president Walton Walker said both teams would be at full strength.

“But both will have to bring their A-game if they’re to claim the title,” he said.

“It has all the makings of a great game and one worthy of a final.

“It will come down to a battle of the pitchers, so the batters will need to step up.”

Scorpions, coached by Lesley Lousich, will look to pitcher Challise Rutene, recent Fight for Life winner and strong batter and fielder Natalia Tahana, Jana Hihi for her experience at catcher and batting, and all-rounder Chanelle Rutene to fire them up.

Japanese livewire and shortstop Yoko Beattie has been a revelation for Scorpions. Beattie is one of the quickest fielders in the competition and is a strong batter.

Rovers, coached by Hutana Campbell and Leight Pere-Campbell, will draw on the experience of Waiti Campbell, pitcher and batting; Alex Tuhou-Smith, catcher and one of the quickest runners around the bases; and the returning Jessie Collier, another pitcher/catcher and strong batter.

The senior men’s final is also set to be a cracker, with Spartans taking on TWK Rams

“This is a repeat of last year’s final, won by TWK Rams, and of games from several other occasions in the past,” Walker said.

Spartans will be led by player-coach and club stalwart Cory Reihana.

His pitching skill and overall experience will be invaluable.

Reihana has great support from his young Tairawhiti representative players in Treyson Hikitapua-Wilson and Chleo Reihana-Davis (Cory’s nephew).

Shane Wilson has been a long-serving and solid batter and fielder.

While Spartans go into the game unbeaten in round-robin play — they had a win against TWK Rams — they know they will face a fired up Rams team.

The Rams father-and-son pitcher/catcher combination, Tom Kingi Jnr and son Xayvier Kingi, will be determined to avenge the round-robin loss and retain their title.

Lightning fielder and batter Shane Kingi and experienced pitcher Willie Sadlier will also be key players tomorrow.

In the women’s Division 2 final, between Uawa and Whatatutu, both teams will make one of their rare final appearances and will look to enjoy the occasion.

In the men’s Division 2 final, GMC play Gisborne Boys’ High School (2). Although GBHS are a school team, they won the round-robin and will start as favourites.

All junior finals will be played in the morning in four divisions — Weenie Sox (Year 1-2), Young Sox (Y3-4), Rookie Sox (Y5-6) and Emerging Sox (Y7-8). Presentations and a barbecue will follow.