United one game away from glory
Softballers power their way into final
Levin softball team United have a chance to claim their first Manawatu¯ championship title tomorrow at Colquhoun Park in Palmerston North. United have been the form team all year and were unbeaten this season, although some of their wins have been heart-stoppers and only claimed in the final inning.
That was no more evident than in their semifinal win against Kingswood Demons last weekend, when they were behind 5-1 on the scoreboard after three innings, before turning it around to win, 14-7.
. Making a championship final, where they will meet Huia Warriors, was just reward for their consistency.
United had made the semifinals of the Manawatu¯ Reserve Grade competition on three occasions since first joining the grade five years ago, in the absence of competition in Horowhenua.
The team and their supporters have travelled to Palmerston North every weekend to play.
United played and beat Huia Warriors at the end of last year and the two sides haven’t faced each other since.
The home team would be boosted by some good softballers, while United have players returning who were unavailable last week.
A feature of the United team was a variety of ages showing that there was no substitute for experience. The team also had new uniforms, which were ordered before the start of the season, finally arrive last week, with the green pants making way for new black ones.
The final starts at 12.30pm.
United: Dean Rauhihi, Aaron Taiapa, Spencer Hudson, Walter Taiapa, Ray Burns, Jamie Burns, Brent Ruruku, Adam Hori Te Pa, Brian Allan, Shane Wadsworth, Pere Nepia, Rangi Matakatea, Tony Williams, Manaaki Meta, Kyle Williams, Steven Hirini, Warren Hei Hei. Coaching staff: Kevin Matakatea, Peter Williams.