Softball: Dellow inspires Saints to victory

Brian Dellow agonised over his decision to play for his Saints team in Hawke's Bay's premier men's softball competition on Saturday.

The seven-month-old daughter of his cousin James Swan died last week and the funeral was on at the same time player-coach Dellow and his teammates were playing Fast Pitch at Akina Park, Hastings.

"In the end I decided to play and dedicate the game to James and his family," Dellow said.

His decision paid off. The regular home run hitter, who has a designated player role, smashed an automatic home run over the centre outfield fence with second baseman Devontae Roberts and short stop Jesse Little on base to give his side a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

The hit proved inspirational as pre-Christmas competition defending champions Saints recorded a 6-3 win to maintain their unbeaten run after three rounds.

Fast Pitch opened the match in emphatic fashion. Lead-off batter and centre outfielder Rongo Rapaea got on base with a single. He then scored on a three bagger from his brother and third baseman Puhi Rapaea off the pitching of Tamihana Hokianga. Short stop Josh Tipoki hit Puhi Rapaea home.

Fast Pitch equalised in the top of the second when Rongo Rapaea hit pitcher Ahitana Kuru home. The score remained 3-all until the bottom of the fifth inning when a hit pitch and a couple of walks from new Canadian pitcher Justin Sievert saw three runs conceded.

In the other game, played at Taradale, Dodgers handed Maraenui Pumas their third consecutive loss for the season with a 7-4 victory. Dodgers third baseman and former Puma Tridan McClutchie collected two hits from four turns at bat.

First baseman Hector Stubbs and second baseman Cameron Willis both collected two hits from three turns at bat.

Dodgers collected eight hits off Pumas Canadian pitcher Alex Fehr. Pumas managed just two hits off Dodgers pitcher Jovaan Hanley.