Softball: Errors put pressure on Bay's top-six quest

Kahurangi Beamsley-Allan performed well with the bat for the Hawke's Bay under-17 boys yesterday. Photo / File

Hawke's Bay under-17 boys' softball coach Waka Wilkie was lamenting the lack of mental toughness in his squad last night.

His troops were beaten 12-5 by Southland in their first of three games on day two of their national tournament in Palmerston North yesterday before they bounced back to beat a combined Western Bay of Plenty-Hawke's Bay team 9-1. They finished the day with an 11-1 loss to unbeaten Auckland.

"We're making too many errors and that's because the boys are allowing that provincial mentality to creep in. Against Auckland they were like opossums startled in front of headlights and far too quiet. Yes it was the third game of the day and it was quite hot but we should have done better," Wilkie said.

With two wins and three losses to date Hawke's Bay must win both of their games today, against Canterbury and Hutt Valley B, and hope a couple of other results go their way to qualify for the top six playoffs in the 16-team tournament which ends tomorrow.

Against Southland Hawke's Bay made five errors, one more than their opponents but the Bay's mistakes were made at more critical times. Both teams produced five hits in the five-inning encounter.

Southland scored seven runs in the first inning and five in the fifth. Hawke's Bay scored two runs in the first inning and one in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Catcher Reihana Wilkie collected two hits from as many turns at bat while pitcher Kahurangi Beamsley-Allan hit a triple to score pitcher-infielder Kupa Isherwood. Hawke's Bay were error-free against the winless combined team.

The versatile Isherwood collected three hits from as many turns at bat and batted three runners in. Beamsley-Allan and Rihari Peeti both hit doubles.

The four Hawke's Bay players in the combined side were Taylin Matenga-Eruiti, Manahi Goulton, Brock Coulbeck and Jordan Scott-Wray. Coach Wilkie was rapt these players who either didn't gain selection for his team or didn't trial playing at national level.

Hawke's Bay outhit the combined team 8-1. The combined side made three errors.
Against Auckland Wilkie got on base with a single and was scored on a double from his Te Aute College teammate Beamsley-Allan. Auckland were error-free and outhit Hawke's Bay 9-3.

Hawke's Bay made seven errors. Mitchell Curran produced Hawke's Bay's other hit against Auckland.

Because of this tournament and the Poneke Kilbirnie Classic for men in Wellington this weekend there is no play in Hawke's Bay's premier men's competition today. The post-Christmas segment of the competition will begin at Akina Park, Hastings next weekend.
Saints are the only Hawke's Bay men's team playing in the Classic but numerous Bay players are turning out for other sides including the host team.

Hawke's Bay hasn't got a team at the national under-17 girls tournament in Dunedin.