Softballers step up to the plate

Softballers dominated the major prizes when the 2017 Marlborough Boys’ College sports awards were held recently.

Up and coming pitcher William Macdonald took out the main award, the sportsman of the year. The highly-promising 16-year-old’s year was highlighted by his selection in the Junior Black Sox side that competed in the under-23 Mens’ Friendship Series in Brisbane in July. He played a pivotal role for the Marlborough under-17 rep side that won the Mainland Tournament in December, being named in both the tournament team and the Mainland under-17 side that toured Australia. The busy ball player represented the Upper South Island under-17 and under-19 sides at their respective national tournaments, being named tournament team pitcher at conclusion of the under-17 event. His work on the mound was also pivotal for the Marlborough Boys’ College side at the New Zealand secondary schools tournament, where they finished third. Macdonald is also an accomplished basketballer, captaining the school team and being named player of the year.

The MBC softball team picked up the Team of the Year award, for their work at the national schools champs where they finished third. The team was: Anaru Anderson, Jason Clyde, Devon Cook, Campbell Gill, Zephryn Hart, Braden Healy, Ethan Jones, Samuel Kenny, William Macdonald, Christian Marshall-Farrow, Te Ariki Peipi, Connor Te Wake-Walker and Horouta Wilson. They were coached by Marshall Rawiri. Seven of the side made the tournament team – Healy, Macdonald, Anderson, Clyde, Kenny, Marshall-Farrow and Gill.

The other main prize on the night, the James d’Auvergne Award for best allround sportsman, went to Heath Murphy. He captained the First XI cricket team and, played in the First XV rugby side and won the college senior swimming champs.