‘Near-perfect’ performances

CENTRAL REGION CHAMPIONS: The Tairawhiti team who won the Central Regions under-15 title in Hastings are, back row (from left): Grant Boocock (manager), Rikki Noble, Treyson Hikitapua-Wilson, Uenuku Kohatu, Cassidy Brown, Shane Wilson (coach) and Ray Noble (coach). Front: Chleo Reihana-Davis, Brandie Reihana, Corey Boocock, Adam Simpson and Waiariki Thatcher. Picture supplied

THE Tairawhiti under-15 boys made history in Hastings at the weekend by becoming the first Tairawhiti team to win a Central Regions tournament

“We also had Treyson Hikitapua-Wilson, Chleo Reihana-Davis, Brandie Reihana, Corey Boocock and Uenuku Kohatu picked for the tournament team,” said coach Ray Noble.

“This team just keeps exceeding expectations. The boys played near-perfect softball on defence and offence.

“Our fielding was tight and error-free, which complemented our dominant pitchers, who gave up only two runs in four games.”

However, Noble said the most pleasing aspect for him was the batting.

“We scored 33 runs. In the past, batting has been an Achilles heel for Tairawhiti.

“Usually you would score one or two home runs over the duration of a tournament. We hit eight — Brandie (3), Treyson (2), Chleo (2) and Adam Simpson (1).

“Probably the most influential factor is that on Saturdays they play and compete against men pitchers, which gives them a lot of confidence and belief when they face 14-year-old pitchers.”

Tairawhiti beat Hawke’s Bay 9-0, with Reihana pitching a shut-out and scoring a home run.

The Tairawhiti batters then crushed the hopes of current u15 national champions Wellington with a mixture of bunts and home runs in an 11-1 victory.

Rikki Noble, Waiariki Thatcher and Cassidy Brown consistently got on base and “our big batters hit them home”.

Coach Noble said Hikitapua-Wilson was “practically unhitable” against a strong Wellington line-up and was ably assisted by back-up pitcher Cassidy Brown, who finished the game.

Manawatu provided Tairawhiti’s sternest test.

Tairawhiti trailed 1-0 early on but fought back through the leadership of captain Boocock and clutch hitting from Hikitapu-Wilson, Reihana, Kohatu and Reihana-Davis to win 4-1.

“To win the tournament we had to beat the surprise package of the tournament, Wanganui, who had caused a number of upsets,” said Noble.

Tairawhiti made no contest of the clash, whitewashing Wanganui 9-0.

“Treyson and Brandie made sure Wanganui struggled by pitching a masterclass that was backed up with consistent hitting, aggressive base running and a power batting display, including three home runs.

Noble made special mention of manager Grant Boocock, who he said did “an outstanding job in terms of having everything organised so all I have to do is coach”.

“Assistant coaches Roy Timoti and Shane Wilson bring a wealth of experience.”