RICHMOND, PAPANUI IN VITAL MATCH

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30977, 5 February 1966, Page 13

RICHMOND, PAPANUI IN VITAL MATCH

In addition to the representative match between Canterbury and Marlborough at English Park this afternoon, two senior men’s softball matches will be played at Hagley Park.

It is unfortunate that one of the encounters will be overshadowed by the inter-provin-cial match for the result of Papanui’s game against Richmond is likely to have a strong bearing on the championship. Papanui at present holds a one-point lead over Avon, with Richmond another point behind. However, both Avon and Richmond have one game in hand.

Although Richmond is playing better softball than any other team at present, it has suffered two convincing defeats at the hands of Papanui

this season. The margins have been eight and four runs respectively. But Richmond’s fine performance against Avon last week does not bode well for Papanui and it is difficult to see any team matching that performance. A repeat effort and victory to Richmond would bring Papanui and Avon level on points with Richmond only one point in arrears.

Avon should have little difficulty in beating Western Suburbs, whose ability to upset has not been as evident in recent weeks as it was early in the season.