Whanganui Braves win Manawatu softball double header

Ben Hollis makes his pitching debut for Braves during the double header against Linton Mustangs and Bluesox in Palmerston North on Sunday.

Whanganui Braves cruised to two convincing wins on Sunday in a double header against Linton Mustangs and Bluesox, to round off the first half of the Manawatu Senior Reserve Men's softball competition.

On another hot and typically windy day at Colquhoun Park, Palmerston North, Braves beat an enthusiastic Linton Mustangs 13-5 and capped off a good day with an easy 14-4 win over Bluesox in five innings.

Both games were played in dusty and windy conditions on a ground that had literally turned to concrete. This made it very difficult attempting to field ground balls on a very uneven playing surface.

The ground had been opened up for irrigation purposes several weeks ago but since there has been no rain this has caused these cracks to open right up.

"We're talking 50mm slits in most areas around the field that have just opened right up with the dry weather," Braves player/coach Shane Foster said.

Braves were never threatened by either side on Sunday.

Ben Hollis made his pitching debut on the mound on Sunday after Foster started both games but was rested with a niggling shoulder injury.

Carl Priddle impressed with both the bat and his aggressive base running. He stole base three times on Sunday,

"It's been a long time, if ever, that he's been caught. He still has impressive speed."
Young Jake Hollis showed he has what it takes to be a good softball player with some good turns at bat, and was ably supported by older sibling Jamie on second base.

Although Stephen Barnes had a quiet day with the bat, he turned a good double play to shut out a determined Linton Mustangs innings at bat.

Another highlight of the weekend was the welcome return of Peter "Jetson" Flood. Having not played competitive softball for some years.

"He still has the goods and brings a lot of experience and coaching knowledge to the team. He's been helping out at training these last few weeks and has got the itch to play again. We welcome him with open arms," Foster said.

Softball competition starts again in mid-January where a second round of the current top six teams play another round robin.