SOFTBALL TRIALS IN LEVIN

Chronicle (Levin), 8 December 1947, Page 4

SOFTBALL TRIALS IN LEVIN

LARGE CROWD SEES GOOD ' DISPLAYS The southern section. of the North Island representative softball . trials were held on Saturday before one of the largest gatherings of the public yet to attend a game in Levin. Representative and club teams marched from the post office- along the main road to the ground, led by the Horowhenua Pipe Band. ' Prior to the games, the president of the Horowhenua Association, Mr. R. Skilton, commented on the large gathering of spectators and said that it was a "red letter" day for softball in Levin. He then introduced the Mayor, ' Mr. H. B. Burdekin, who extended a cordial welcome to the visitors, many of whom came from as far away as Wellington and Wanganui. Softball was an uphill fight in Levin as far as grounds were concerhed, said Mr. Burdekin. He and the council would do all in their power to assist the association in placing the grounds in perfect order for next season. Softball had grown in popularity since its inception in 1937, and would grow still more, said the president of the Npw Zealand Softball Association, Mr. A. Jenkins. This was .the first year that arrangements had been made for a North-South match and it was an honour for the Horowhenua Association to have the trials at Levin. He hoped that the trials would assist the association ' in its work of popularising the game.

Horowhenua v. Hutt Valley This game, which resulted in a win for Hutt by 18 points to 9, pro'duced surprisingly good play and although the local team was beaten by a superior competttor this should not discourage its efforts. Players like C. Thompson, Gardiner, Skilton and Rose showed particular keenness in handling the ball. Hakaraia, Marshall and Grey played sound games. One of the visiting teams commented on the fine work Thompson di'd on the field. He is worth watching and is by no means below representative standard. For Hutt, Wilson as catcher showed some skill, although facing erratic pitching. Walters and Marshall showed teams how to hit the ball. Wanganui v. Wellington Resulting in a win for Wellington 8 — 3, this game produced some excellent displays of pitching and batting. Wanganui showed ability and keenness and the final score was no indication of the game, being in reality a very close contest. Wellington's field work was excellently carridd out, and it was this which carried them through to the final score. Manawatu v. Horowhenua B Defeating Horowhenua by 25 points to 11, Manawatu was too good for the local team. Morley and Le Chemimen put up some great hitting, the formers "homer" being the biggest hit seen. at Levin this year. N/ Winiata and Taratoa were the outstanding players for Horowhenua, while B. Wenham, Brown and Wildbore showed up well. Although only in their first year, C. Winiata and Husband were marked as prominent players in this match. The Horowhenua Association expresses its appreciation of the valuable work done by the Mayor and .councillors, the Horowhenua Pipje Band, the St. John Brigade and all others who helped to make the day a successful one. The northern section trials are to be held at Auckland next Saturday.