YOU are only as good as the one game that matters, as Auckland discovered after their shock loss to Wellington in Sunday's final of the National Under-15 Boys Softball Tournament on the Gonville diamond.
Auckland had been undefeated throughout the four-day tournament, dominating games other than when facing Wellington inthe crossover pool stage on Saturday where they won 6-4, the first time they had more than one run scored against them.
Wellington defeated Counties in the preliminary playoff on Sunday morning to set up another clash with Auckland again for the championship.
Tournament convenor Grant Clark said the capital's subsequent 3-0 win was "to the surprise of everyone".
"Particularly as Wellington had to play twice that day, as it was. It was a great final."
Despite missing out on the title at the last hurdle, Auckland players still dominated the MVP lists and the tournament team selection.
Counties finished third, and Hutt Valley fourth after a compelling game with Hawke's Bay, where the Bay were leading until having a player ejected and another injured which left them short of fielders.
On Saturday, Clark was still hopeful the brave Whanganui team, consisting of keen young players physically smaller than the big city teams, would still be able to pull off a boilover.
Early in the derby match, Whanganui got themselves to a loaded bases scenario a couple of times, but would be out on the innings before making that one big hit to bring in the runners.
Manawatu looked to bunt and run early on without success, but eventually won 3-2.
After facing North Harbour shortly afterwards, Whanganui's final game was the following day with Waikato for 11th-12th, and the heartache continued as the locals started outstandingly and were leading 7-1 with two innings left, but ended up going down 8-7.
"It's just the way it's been for them," said Clark.
