Gisborne Intermediate's titles defended

Gisborne Intermediate girls and boys softball teams. BACK: Lorraine Raureti (Assist Coach), Henare Lardelli Clarke, Temple Edwards, Alicia Kepa, Sydnee Andrews, Bruce Hill (Assist Coach), Mia Reeves, Natalie Stairs, Serenity Ngatu, Halayna Scott, Isaiah Lemaua, Api Takoko Snr (Head Coach). MIDDLE: Andrew Knight (Coach), Treyson Hikitapua-Wilson, Corey Boocock, Ryan Anderson, Heni Kamaia-Thompson, Shakahn Lamont-Hihi, Enzo Edge, Adam Nepe, Alec Coutts, FRONT: Laykin Beuth, Tane Ruru, Adam Simpson

Gisborne Intermediate boys and girls won the Bay of Plenty-Poverty Bay intermediate schools’ softball shields, both for the third year in a row.

The boys’ team, coached by Andrew Knight and Bruce Hill, beat Rotorua 25-0, Kaitao 18-0 and Te Puke 22-0 to advance to the final, where they maintained their unbeaten run with a 15-1 victory over Mt Maunganui.

Knight said pitcher Treyson Hikitapua-Wilson and catchers Tane Ruru and Alec Coutts were outstanding and captain Corey Boocock led the team well.

Girls’ head coach Api Takoko senior, assisted by Lorraine Raureti and Jess Lamont (base coach), was rapt with his team’s performances.

“I couldn’t single out any individual player — they all contributed to the success,” Takoko said.

“But special mention must go to all the parents who brought their children to training and Mel Lardelli-Muir for her awesome support.”

Gisborne Intermediate girls beat Kaitao 11-1 and Whakatane 5-3 to make the final, where they again met Whakatane and won 7-4.

“This was the closest game of the tournament but the girls played with great character to make it back-to-back wins.”