Noble proud of his side in defeat

FOCUSED: Tairawhiti batter Uenuku Kohatu lines up the ball in the North Island under-15 softball tournament match against Wellington at Waikirikiri Park yesterday. Tairawhiti pushed the national champions and at one stage led 6-2, but eventually lost 8-6. Pictures by Liam Clayton

TAIRAWHITI under-15 coach Ray Noble held his hand up following a heartbreaking 8-6 loss to national champions Wellington in the North Island u15 tournament at Waikirikiri Park yesterday.

“I made a wrong call when we were up 6-2,” Noble said.

“I became too aggressive, wanting the boys to run the extra base, instead of being patient and consolidating the lead.

“I made the call too early. It was my mistake. But you have to give credit to Wellington.

“They showed their class as they started to claw their way back into the game. We had them under pressure but they stood up to it and ended up being the better team on the day.

“But I told the boys they could hold their heads up high and be proud, that a small association such as ours could come so close to beating Wellington.

“It may sound silly but I was more proud of their performance today against Wellington, even though we lost, than I was yesterday (Thursday) when we had two wins.

“We exceeded all expectations winning our first two pool games, but pushing Wellington so close was an awesome performance.

“We can look forward to playing Waikato tomorrow (today).”

Hutt Valley, emerging as favourites after winning all four pool games, were too strong for Tairawhiti in the afternoon game, winning 11-2.

“Like Wellington, Hutt are a class side and we have no excuses,” Noble said.

Noble said he did not like singling out individuals but added that pitcher Jesse Hohepa-O’Keefe, Corey Boocock and Treyson Hikitapu-Wilson deserved special mention.

“After the first day’s play, Jesse was not only among the top pitchers — all the batters found him hard to hit — he was also one of the best batters. Corey and Treyson continued their good form with the bat.”

Noble had a surprise for his team yesterday when he introduced “one of New Zealand’s best ever batters”, Dave Workman.

“Small softball associations like us don’t often get the opportunity to learn from a man who has played and coached at the highest level, so I want you all to listen to what Dave has to say,” Noble told his squad.

“Dave offered to give the boys some batting tips,” Noble said.

“You don’t turn down an invitation like that.”

Results: Wellington 8 Tairawhiti 6, Auckland Development 8 Manawatu 0, Hutt Valley 17 Waikato 3, Auckland 1 Counties Manukau 0, North Harbour 10 Whanganui 3, Waikato 11 Counties Manukau 7, Hawke’s Bay 13 Manawatu 2, Auckland Development 10 Whanganui 0, Hutt Valley 11 Tairawhiti 2, Wellington 2 Hawke’s Bay 0, North Harbour 11 Counties Manukau 8, Auckland 7 Auckland Development 2.