SOFTBALL LEADERS NEARLY BEATEN

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30688, 2 March 1965, Page 11

SOFTBALL LEADERS NEARLY BEATEN

Avon, co-leaders In the senior women’s softball competition, had a close call in its game against Kalapoi when games were continued on Saturday. With the score even at the end of the game an extra Innings was required before Avon could take the game. Monowal scored a big win over Spreydon and West Old Girls accounted tor Western Suburbs.

Results:—Monowal 17, Spreydon 3; Avon 6, Kalapoi 5; West O.G. 8, Western Suburbs 7.

Competition points are;—Avon Id, Monowal 10, West O.G. 5, Kalapoi 3, Spreydon 3, Suburbs

Avon v. Kalapoi After its poor showing In recent weeks, Kalapoi was not expected to extend Avon, but it nearly caused an upset with much improved form. Solid batting in its first innings forced the Avon outfield into errors and Kaiapoi scored five runs during this time. Hits by J. Gaskell and R.

Lanlnl brought In Avon’s first two runs and in the succeeding innings Avon strove hard to make up the deficit. Bunts proved effective and at the end of the fifth innings both teams had five runs. Excellent fielding was seen from both sides at this stage and neither was able to score. With an extra innings played, Kaiapoi had its first three batters out in a row. Last to bat, Avon had McKaskell safely on base and with two batters out, a hit by H. Johnson allowed her to score and take the game. Monowal v. Spreydon Monowai took advantage of the opposing pitchers' lack of control and at the end of the third innings had a nine run lead. A change in pitcher stemmed the flow of runs momentarily but with a lead of 14 runs at the sixth innings the game was not required to be played to the seventh innings. For Spreydon J. Hall held a fine catch in the outfield, as did L. Leask for Monowai.

West O.G. v. Western Suburbs West O.G. had an edge on Suburbs in a poor game. S. Dalkie pitched Intelligently for Suburbs but lacked support from her team mates. The only highlight of the game was a fine home run by L. Eaves for West Lower Grade Results

Second Grade.—Avon 7. Kaiapoi 3; Teachers College 13, Monowai 9; Vanguard 16. Teachers College 5; Monowal 22, Avon 7; Kaiapoi 7, West O.G. 0. Third Grade.—West O.G. 18, Templeton 5; Monowai 11, Vanguard 13; Avon 22, Western Suburbs 3.