Close contests in Manawatu¯ softball
Two close matches in the Manawatu¯ club senior men’s division meant Huia Chiefs and Linton Sentinels walk away with the points, while the Whanganui Braves put on a clinic against Raiders.
It was fine but chilly on Saturday for the second round of the season.
In two closely fought tussles, Huia Chiefs beat the Dodgers 5-4 and Linton Sentinels sneaked home over Blue Sox 7-6. The Whanganui Braves dealt to the Raiders 8-0.
The senior women’s games were all close, although some of the scorelines didn’t reflect this.
Huia Tigers beat SBC Feilding 18-11, Linton Storm took all seven innings to beat the newly formed Bramac Metros 12-10, Blue Sox beat Rangitı¯kei Rebels 13-5 and, in the feature game, Bramac Aces just managed to hold out new team Taihape Majors 13-9.
The reserve men’s grade is proving close. All teams are striving for the win and the competition between teams is lively.
In the reserve grade, Feilding Top Guns beat Bramac Bombers 8-7; Raiders Rebels beat Blue Sox Ballers 12-2; Wanganui Mustangs beat Blue Sox Hitters 11-3; Dodgers beat Linton Mustangs 9-1; Levin United beat Linton BBS 14-10; and Cowboys beat Huia Warriors 10-6.