Softball: Whanganui Braves deliver on promise to bring all bats blazing

Former Combined Services rep Richie Smith, had a brilliant game with the bat in Braves victory over previously unbeaten Dodgers Grey at the weekend.

Whanganui Braves delivered on a warning to Dodgers Grey they were coming all bats blazing when the pair met in the Manawatu senior men's reserve grade softball competition at the weekend.

Braves dished out a 12-8 won over their arch rivals in the top six division shootout.
"It's taken four attempts to notch up the win against this young talented side, I'm proud of the boy's who have trained hard and believed in themselves," Braves player/coach Shane Foster said.

This sets up a game against bottom premier team Raiders this Saturday afternoon on Diamond 1 at Colqhoun Park, Palmerston North. Raiders have only just dropped down to the reserve grade after a poor season in premier.

"The boy's are looking forward to facing Whanganui-based pitcher Shaun Terry who is Raiders first choice chucker."

Braves batter of the day was former Combined Services rep Richie Smith, who hit two home runs, a three base hit and a single to bat 1000 and score 6 RBI's (runners batted in).

"Although Richie did not have a good day on defence, he more than made up for it with the bat. Without doubt it was the best batting display seen in the competition this season," Foster said.

Jamie Hollis also had a standout performance with the bat, hitting two homers, while younger brother Jake Hollis impressed at left field, taking some fine catches to stop several batting rallies from the Dodgers outfit attempting to get back into the game.

Carl Priddle once again showed why he is the team's best all-rounder with two safe hits, an excellent throw home from centre field to stop a runner scoring and speed around the bases.

"The past two Wednesday training sessions have involved practice games against a young Whanganui High School team who needed valuable game time for an upcoming secondary school tournament.

"These young fella's uncovered some kinks in our defensive game and showed some of the boys up. It was invaluable to us too, as it reminded the team how important the basics of the game are. Getting those simple outs is so critical.

"This Saturday is a must win. Lose and we are out of the final, win and we most likely face off against arch rival Dodgers Grey who have an easier path to the final with a game against Blue Sox, who upset Huia Warriors on Saturday," Foster said.