Waimarino softballers go down fighting

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 265, 29 November 1988, Page 16

Waimarino softballers go down fighting

Despite the mass exodus of key players from past seasons the Waimarino Softball Association representatives put up their best performances ever on Sunday at Ball Park in Wanganui.

They played Wanganui who are experiencing their best softball for years with their American coach, players, and in-form pitchers, g i v i n g Wanganui supporters and coaches a n indication of the high level of softball from this area. The Wanganui Association play softball three days a week and some teams travel to the Manawatu, Horowhenua and Wellington area for further competition. The Waimarino Women's Rep team, which has an average age of 18 years, are on the right path t o representing the Waimarino well at the forthcoming National Womens in Rotorua over the New Year period. Years of patience has paid off for Lou

Williams who is now assistant to Coach. Robin Parata and Melisa Brown, two 17 year olds, became the players of the day with their excellent batting form against Wanganui's top pitcher. Parata averaged a 1000 whilst Brown, Hona, McDowall and Burrows all averaged 560. Waimarino Ladies lost the first game 2211, but they held the experienced Wanganui Ladies to a 11-10 loss to the final innings. The mens representative team has what is considered to be the strongest infield and outfield combination ever put out by the Waimarino. All have represented the Waimarino or other provinces for several years. The slightly out-of-form pitching of promising pitchers Tom Ryder and

teenager Regan Sue has been a problem. However in no time they will regain their form. Wanganui won both games 11-1 and 12-2. Two players of special mention should be the brilliant young short stop from Waiouru United and the most valuable player of the day George Emile. He has played for Auckland United in the Premier League and has represented Auckland in the Colts and Senior Rep teams as well as the New Zealand Army team. George, who currently plays for Armoured at Waiouru can play in most positions. One wonders why he hasn't been noticed by the National selectors at some stage. The way he glides around the Diamond is like "Poetry in Motion". To top it off his batting form is of a high level as well, he has a similar playing style to Eddie Kohlhase. On Saturday Taihape Majors Women became

the 1st Round winners entitling them to represent the Waimarino at the National interclub competition in Lower Hutt. Meanwhile Waiouru United Men on a count back of points for

games played seem almost certain to win the mens 1st Round and will represent the Waimarino at Lion Red Park in Mangere at the interclub competition. As well, they leave for Palmerston North along with George

Emile, Rick Tawhiti and Marty Bidois, along with a selected ladies team from Waiouru to represent the A.T.G. at the Army Regionals in Softball. While in Wanganui last weekend Chris Waterhouse, Sonny Hona,

Pat Hokianga, Anthea Williams and Lou Williams sat their level coaching examinations and all passed with honours which means that Waimarino has coaches up to New Zealand standards.

Walter

Sue