Gutsy Giants come back from the brink

Softball

Cross Country Rental Giants clawed their way back from the jaws of defeat to beat Steelers 6-5 in their top-of-the-table Hutt Valley President's grade men's softball match at South Park, Masterton, on Saturday.

Down 5-1 in the third innings, Giants slowly but surely made up lost ground and had their noses in front when it counted most.

Steelers would have fancied their chances of at least evening things up at their last turn at bat when they had players on second and third base and no outs.

A brilliant throw by Matt Kawana from the outfield was a major assist in the first out, pitcher Tony Nixon then struck out the next batter and the Giants victory was assured when a comfortable catch was held.

Top value for the Giants batters were Don McDermott, who registered three safe hits from his four turns at bat, and Ken Robertson and Trevor Cross, both of whom came up with vital hits at crucial times.

The Giants premier three men's team defeated Paremata-Plimmerton in their Wellington-Hutt Valley competition match by 10-0 in a match which lasted just five innings. Pitcher Michael McDermott gave up only two hits over the whole game.

The Hutt Valley under-15 encounter between Giants and Stokes Valley was a one-horse race with Giants scoring a 15-5 win. They head the points table in their grade as do the Giants under-13s who beat Hutt City United 12-0. The highlight was the outstanding combination of pitcher Cullen Goldsmith and catcher Nicholas O'Hara.