Smith’s Pitching May Be Crucial

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30936, 17 December 1965, Page 19

Smith’s Pitching May Be Crucial

Papanui will tomorrow attempt to perform one of the most difficult tasks in the men’s inter-club softball competition—that of defeating Richmond twice in successive matches.

On the last occasion the teams met, Papanui’s lead batsman. C. Chee, immediately put his team on top by driving K. Smith through centre field. Richmond was unable to w,rest the initiative from Papanui and the latter cruised to a surprisingly easy 11-3, win.

However, Smith’s latching has reached a higher standard in recent weeks and Papanui’s assignment appears more difficult on this occasion.

Richmond was defeated by Avon last Saturday but it showed more impressive form than did Papanui in its match against Western Suburbs, which it could, quite easily, have lost. Richmond and Papanui are currently placed second equal behind Avon, and they know that only the winner of tomorrow's tussle will have much chance of challenging the leader for the championship.

Avon should be untroubled to reach double figures against United at Edgar McIntosh Park, but the Spreydon v. Western Suburbs match at Hagley Park should prove more interesting. Spreydon won by the odd run in 15 the last time they met but a repetition of its form against Papanui might enable Western Suburbs to reverse the result