Softball LENNON CUP

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29715, 8 January 1962, Page 15

Softball LENNON CUP

Railways Win Twice (N.Z. Press Association) WANGANUI, Jan. 7. Railways (Hutt Valley) shut out Miramair (Wellington), the defending champion, twice in one afternoon to win the John Lennon Trophy inter-club softball title on Saturday. Inspired by the magnificent play of the pitcher, W. Massey. the Railways team won, 6-0 and 4-0. Miramar was outplayed in every department as the entire Railways teain gave Massey full support. The Railways’ batting was much superior and the fielding remarkably good in the difficult conditions. The first game began in the rain. but although the weather cleared the ground was heavy and treacherous as a result of the torrential downpours earlier in the day. Railways fielded without error and the policy of the fields going for the certain out in preference to double plays paid dividends. Miramar, on the other hand, made costly errors both to the infield and outfield and not all the mistakes were because of the conditions. In batting the Railways’ batters steadied themselves in the box for safe hits, whereas Miramar appeared to reply on swing and hope. Railways produced the big hits at the right time to bring in the runs. Having surprisingly lost two games earlier in the week. Railways had to make sure of beating Miramar, which bad one loss, the first time on Saturday. After a rest of 30 minutes, the teams were played again. Railways took longer to get on top this time, but there was no denying the superiority of the Hutt Valley side. Massey, who had led Hutt Valley to success to the Beatty Cup tournament, was the outstanding player of the fortnight. Apart from controlled pitching, Massey batted extremely well. His fielding, too, was first-rate.