Softball: Braves beat Chiefs

Aaron Mahony drops a short bunt during Wanganui Braves' 15-5 win over Huia Chiefs in Palmerston North on Saturday.

Domination with the bat delivered Wanganui Braves yet more glory on the Manawatu men's senior reserve grade diamond in Palmerston North at the weekend.

The victory was even more notable given two premier grade ring-ins played in key positions for Huia Chiefs.

Huia had premier players at shortstop and second base, but this did not help their cause in the end as Braves cruised to another comfortable 15-5 win in five innings in game one of the Top Six competition round.

Player/coach Shane Foster said once again basic fielding errors let runs in.

"Communication let us down on defence, notably two good throws from catcher Paddy Steele to second base to stop runners stealing, ending in the outfield as our shortstop and second baseman couldn't hustle to intercept the throw," Foster said.

"Basic calling for the high ball was another problem with near collisions attempting basic catches. These will be discussed and worked on at training this week."

However, Braves were once again dominant with the bat, with Jamie Hollis, Carl Priddle and Foster slamming home runs.

Priddle and Hollis both scored three RBI's (runners batted in) to finish a good day at bat.
Runs kept trickling in at each turn at bat, with Ash Blanche showing aggressive base running.

Another positive for the team was new recruit Toby Rison, a shortstop who showed good batting form with two hits from as many turns at bat and showed he will be pushing the regular infield players for a start in the coming weeks.

"The team is coming together nicely, and to have a squad of 15 or so is great. We now have a situation were guys are starting to push for a position and that is a good thing," Foster said.