The National New Zealand’s Interclub softball championship is going to be very interesting, as the best four teams made it to the playoffs. Here are the teams, which went through: Auckland United, Hutt Valley Dodgers, Mt Albert Ramblers and the champions of Canterbury – Papanui.
One of the most difficult tasks was for The Ramblers, who led by Nathan Nukunuku, managed to record a tight 2-1 victory against the PCU Devils. The second inning of the game was the crucial one, as both the runs came then. In the other Ramblers’ match, they had no problems against Porirua City United, winning 5-0.
The team of Auckland United had also a difficult game against Albion softball team. The outcome was 5-4 in United’s favour. K. Compain, Alfons Oveinikovas and Brock Atwell scored three runs in the fifth inning of the game, securing the victory for their team.
The Hutt Valley Dodgers achieved an astonishing 7-3 win against the North Harbour’s Roosters. Cory Timu, Joel Evans and the pitcher Nik Hayes were again in their best form, helping their team record the good result.
The Papanui’s way to the playoffs was maybe the most difficult one. The champions of Canterbury struggled a lot against Miramar, but they eventually won the game 1-0. The best for Papanui was the pitcher Ethan Johnstone, who stroke out 16 batters. In their other two games, Papanui beat the Stoke Eagles 2-0 and the Waitakere Bears 5-0, to make it to the playoffs.
Sensationally, two of the seeded teams – Johnsonville and Northcote couldn’t make it to the playoffs.
Except for the best seeded 4 teams, the other four, which made it to the top eight were: The Marlborough Saints (qualified after beating Stoke Eagles 3-1), Howick (3-2 win vs. Northcote), Poneke Kilbirnie and Auckland Marist (qualified after a 6-2 victory against the PCU Devils).