SOFTBALL

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28159, 24 December 1956, Page 8

SOFTBALL

CANTERBURY TEAM’S INDIFFERENT FORM

In beating The Rest 16-5 at English Park on Saturday, the Canterbury senior men’s softball representative team did little to enhance its chances at the national chamnionsbins. which begin in Chris+chudch next Saturday. Both teams used two nitchers and none of the four showed the necessary consistent accuracy for the local team to stand a chance against the strong teams which will be taking part in the tournament. The fielding on both sides was ragged and two home runs—one scored against the representative side—were gained through a series of errors more at nlace in a junior team. The Canterburv outfield fielded well and J. T.anini, in right field, took several spectacular catches for the Canterbury side. There was similar good play in centre and left field, but the Canterburv infield was a mixture of good and bad. , The Canterbury first baseman missed many opportunities for a peg out by consistent one-hand fielding, a bad fault that should be checked. Although the nitching was at times inaccurate, the Canterbury catcher allowed too many nassed balls at vital times in the game. The only pitcher to show anv resemblance of representative standard was Ron Kinley, a seasoned player and a former South Island representative, who was pitching for The Rest. Tt is difficult to understand why A. Ballantyne was not allowed to pitch. If Canterbury intends to use him for the tourney. Saturdav’s game would have helped him considerably.

Possibly the Canterbury selectors have further players in mind to represent Canterbury next Saturday, but if not, some solid coaching seems necessary if the local team is to have a chance of winning.

COMPETITION POINTS With the first half of the season completed in the Canterbury Softball Association’s competitions, the points in the various grades are as follows: — Senior men: Ohio 14, Papanui 12, Linwood 10. Avon Royals 10, Christchurch 8, Spreydon 4. Richmond- 4, USAF 4. Senior reserve: Spreydon 18, Richmond 14. Linwood 10, Christchurch 10, Burnham 2. Avon Royal? 0. Junior: United 16, Papanui 16, Marathon 14. Templeton 12, Training College 10. Spreydon 6, Christchurch 4, L. D. Saints 2.

Senior women: Monowai 18, Linwood 12. Spreydon 6. Marathon 6, Hagley 6. Intermediate women: Vanguard 14, Hagley 14. Linwood 12, Belfast 10, Standard 4, United 4.

Junior: Kaiapoi 12, Vanguard 12, Avon Royals 4, Monowai 4.