Softball: Dodgers' players in top form

Tom Makea

Dodgers coach Tom Makea had plenty to praise and toast after his team's win in Saturday's round of Hawke's Bay's premier men's softball competition.

His left outfielder Joe O'Leary and third baseman Tridan McClutchie both smashed automatic home runs over the centre outfield fence on diamond two during a 12-11 win against Maraenui Pumas at Akina Park, Hastings.

While such automatics command a reasonable amount of toasting, coach Makea was more pleased with the way his troops manufactured five runs with their final turn at bat to secure the win.

The father-and-son pair of Luke and Xavier Herrick, O'Leary, pitcher Jovaan Hanley and veteran infielder Stephen Farrell all scored with Hanley's winning run coming courtesy of an obstruction call. The win was part of a memorable weekend for Makea as three of his sons and two of his grandchildren were playing in the Christchurch-hosted National Fastpitch Championship, the country's elite inter-provincial competition.

Former Black Sox utility Fabian Makea played for Counties-Manukau/Waikato and his younger brothers Campbell and William played for Wellington. Fabian's daughter Mereama played for Hutt Valley while her cousin Dante Matakatea played for North Harbour.

Just as significant as this Makea whanau feat was all three children of the Dodgers hubby and wife combo, Kevin and Charmaine Gettins, playing in the NFC. Infielder Josh Gettins played for Wellington, Junior White Sox pitcher Courtney Gettins played for Hutt Valley and White Sox catcher Melanie Gettins won the NFC MVP award after helping Canterbury beat Auckland 4-0 in the final.

Canadian first baseman Jeremy Morin collected four hits from as many turns at bat for Pumas while the Aranui brothers Manaaki and Junior Black Sox utility Tiwana both produced two hits from their four turns at bat.

In the other game at Akina Park, Saints upset defending champions Fast Pitch 6-3. Saints player-coach Brian Dellow was impressed with the manner in which one of his utility players, Fred Jackson, deputised for regular third baseman Hoani Crawford who had work commitments.

Jackson collected three hits from as many turns at bat. Pitcher Tamihana Hokianga was full of authority on the mound.

"We're peaking at the right time and will be ready to have a crack at the post-Christmas title when the time comes," Dellow said. Fast Pitch player-coach Te Rangi Chadwick said he fielded a below-strength side and it was a frustrating display.

That frustration was reflected by the ejection of the versatile Giovani Matairangi in the final inning by umpire Jade McClutchie for back chat.