Players go beyond coach's expectations

AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS: Tairawhiti catcher Chleo Reihana and umpire Terry Whittaker await the result of Waikato batter Jackson Harwidge’s swing in the North Island under-15 softball tournament at Waikirikiri Park at the weekend. Pictures by Paul Rickard

TAIRAWHITI had to settle for sixth place in the under-15 North Island softball championships which finished at Waikirikiri Park yesterday.

Coach Ray Noble’s side missed out on a semifinal spot when they lost a tiebreaker to Auckland Development 4-3 on Saturday afternoon, after beating Waikato 6-1 in the morning.

Waikato then avenged that loss when they beat Tairawhiti 4-3 to clinch fifth spot.

“The boys were disappointed at missing out on the top four,” Noble said.

“But if you’d told me before the tournament we’d play so well, push eventual winners Wellington and Auckland Development close and get two players — Jesse Hohepa-O’Keefe and Treyson Hikitapua-Wilson, named in the Rest team, I’d have settled for that.

“The boys exceeded all expectations, and to be ranked sixth from the 11 teams is a huge achievement for a small association like ours.

“It was only our inexperience and the strength of Wellington that saw them come back from 6-2 down to win 8-6.”

Noble also had special praise for Brandi Reihana, who replaced Hohepa-O’Keefe as No.1 pitcher for the playoff game against Waikato.

“Jesse had done everything we’d asked of him and more, and needed a break,” Noble said.

“It was tough on Brandi going into the match but when I threw him the ball he was up for it.

“There was a lot of pressure on him, replacing Jesse, but Brandi’s performance and that of the team over the four days made me proud to be their coach.

“Brandi caused all the batters problems. Being a left-armer, he pitches a mean inswinger.”

Wellington beat Auckland 9-6 in the final.

More softball news tomorrow.