Softball Spartans bring it home

Cleo Reihana was the hero of the day, bringing in two runners on base and taking a spectacular diving catch. Picture by Paul Rickard

WITH a dream start, consistent pitching and outstanding play from a 12-year-old the Spartans overcame a wounded but spirited Gisborne Boys’ High 8-6 in the Tairawhiti men’s pre-Christmas club competition final on Saturday.

Spartans made a fine start on the Barry Park diamond to be 4-0 after two innings but too many times were guilty of trying to steal extra bases where a more conservative approach could have put the game beyond reach.

GBHS rallied behind third-string pitcher Reno Sidney after a knee injury sidelined starting pitcher and leading batter Shaquaid Hihi.

Sidney (14) was outstanding, keeping batters off balance and trusting his infield to make plays.

Catcher Thomas Rutene and energetic second baseman Cruz Peneha-Hinaki were the pick of the infield while aggressive batting from Rutene, Peneha-Hinaki, Cassidy Hohepa-O’Keefe and Paora Ropiha kept GBHS in touch.

For Spartans, Andrew Knight, Stormy Gardner, Corey Reihana and Ray Noble did the damage with the bat at the top of the order while youngsters Adam Simpson, Brandie Hinaki-Reihana and Cleo Reihana demonstrated maturity and poise beyond their years.

Spartans left handed-pitcher Corey Reihana has been the form pitcher of the competition and his ability on Saturday to produce his best when his side was under pressure had a huge influence.

Spartans, however, owe a chunk of their victory to a man-of-the-match performance from 12-year-old Cleo Reihana.

With two outs but two Boys’ High players on the bases, Reihana made a spectacular diving catch to retire the side and deny the students two runs at a critical junction in the game. He was not finished.

When GBHS brought in their outfield in the belief that because of his size Cleo wouldn’t be able to hit the ball far enough, he responded by smacking it over everybody to drive in two runs.

The smallest player delivered in two key moments to complete a fairytale end to the competition for Spartans.

Biguns won the women’s A-grade title and Te Aowera the B-grade.