Reihana double-act sinks Rams

It was a case of let’s dance as the Tairawhiti softball season got under way at the Waikirikiri Park diamonds on Saturday. The starman for TWK Rams was pitcher Tom Kingi Junior (pictured) but his side had to settle for second to Spartans, who won the men’s clash 2-1. These sides met in last season’s final, with Spartans winning. Pictures by Liam Clayton

THE two teams from last year’s championship final went head to head in the opening round of the Tairawhiti men’s softball competition on Saturday, with reigning champions Spartans beating TWK Rams 2-1.

Cory Reihana and his son Te Korewha scored for Spartans, with Sam Kingi replying.

Tairawhiti Softball Association chairman Walton Walker said both teams had very strong line-ups “with a sprinkling of young players either at or just out of school”.

“As the score shows, the game was even throughout, with Spartans holding their lead to the end,” Walker said.

For TWK, Tom Kingi Jr and Xayvier Kingi were a good pitcher-catcher combination, with Shane Kingi excelling in the field and at bat with his experience and speed.

Spartans’ pitcher-catcher combination, the Hikitapua-Wilson brothers Treyson and Jayde, held down the vaunted Rams batters, while coach-captain Cory Reihana’s experience was influential.

Gisborne Boys’ High School (1) beat GBHS (2) 4-3.

Pitchers for both teams kept runs to a minimum, with Jesse Hohepa-O’Keefe for GBHS (1) and Cayleb Kingi for GBHS (2) showing good early-season form.

GBHS (1) batters Corban Richter and Riley Horsfield hit home runs in a game in which GBHS (2) kept the pressure on their top team.

The Steelers beat Tolaga Titans 13-3. Pitchers Rapana Ngaau and Shaquaid Hihi dominated for the Steelers, while Austin Sidney had to work overtime for Tolaga.

In the women ’s games, Gisborne Girls’ High School caused the first upset of the season, beating defending champions Uawa Scorpions 12-11.

Uawa began slowly and had to play catch-up for the rest of the game, but fell short.

Lytton Gems showed their potential when they edged last season’s runners-up Rovers 8-7.

“It was a great start to the season for the high school teams,” Walker said.