Tairawhiti coach Ray Noble’s young side made Tairawhiti history when they became the first age-group team from this district to make the top-half playoffs.
“That was the goal, but then when we achieved that we wanted to create another bit of history by reaching the semifinals,” said Noble, who was ably supported by first-base coach Shane Wilson and batting/fielding coach Corey Reihana.
“You need three coaches and the fact that we are all good mates makes my job easier.”
Tairawhiti booked their place in the top six with wins against Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Waikato.
“After losing to eventual winners Wellington (8-6) and Hutt Valley (11-2), we had to beat Waikato to make top six,” Noble said.
“We were up 2-1 but they had two runners on bases and were only one batter down.
“We had a double-out and from then on the momentum changed and we blasted four runs.”
Tairawhiti went on to win 6-1.
That put Tairawhiti up against a strong Auckland Development team in a game that went to an extra innings (tiebreaker).
“We came from 3-1 down to level at 3-3 and when we batted first they made some good plays at the home plate to keep us scoreless,” Noble said.
“When they batted, they had two batsmen out but a runner on third base. Their third batter was on two strikes but he got a top edge to the infield to bring their player home.”
Noble said the response from the home supporters meant the players were far from dejected.
“They kept coming up to the players telling them what a great game they had played. A lot of people said this was the game of the tournament, better even than the final.
“The reaction from the supporters meant the realisation that we’d missed out on a semifinal spot didn’t sink in until later, and then there were a few tears.”
Noble said the focus was on team first. However, when pushed, he said pitcher Jesse Hohepa-O’Keefe, Treyson Hikitapua-Wilson, Brooklyn Kingi, Cayleb Kingi and Oscar Ruston were outstanding.
“Jesse and Treyson were unlucky not to be picked for the tournament team, but both made ‘the rest’ selection,” Noble said.
“Jesse was not only our top pitcher, he was also our top batter. He’s a flamethrower and can move the ball. He’s also consistently accurate and can go for long periods. He pitched the most of all the pitchers in the tournament — 33 innings.
“Jesse (14), Treyson (13), and Chleo Reinana-Davis (13) are in the Tairawhiti u17 team competing in their North Island tournament in Pukekohe, starting on Thursday.
“Treyson’s a genuine all-rounder. Cayleb Kingi posed a threat because of his power. Pitchers didn’t want to pitch to him. He drew walks and put runners on bases.
“Brooklyn (second base) was our best fielder. He was as safe as houses. I can’t recall him making one error in the whole tournament. Brooklyn was the one who brought Corey Boocock home in the extra-inning win against Hawke’s Bay, which really set us up to go on and make the top-half playoffs.
“Oscar was probably the surprise of the tournament. Initially I didn’t think he would play many minutes but he just keep on improving and in the end I couldn’t leave him out.”
