Richmond Has Hard Task

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30937, 18 December 1965, Page 11

Richmond Has Hard Task

'THE Richmond senior 1 men's softball team has built up a proud record ever the last seven years. In that time it has won the Canterbury championship six times, missing out only in 1961-62 when Linwood won its first and only title. However .there is one feat that has eluded Richmond —winning four consecutive titles. On the last occasion that Richmond was on the brink of achieving this un-

precedented record, Unwood won an exciting final. During the last three seasons Richmond has carried all before it in dub matches and this season it was expected to have little trouble in winning its fourth consecutive title. A loss to Papanui some weeks ago did not appear to be too big an obstacle to ’ overcome particularly when Richmond scored a surprisingly easy, five-run, win over its strongest rival. Avon. But Papanui's surprise victory assumed greater importance last Saturday when Avon avenged its first round defeat by Richmond to take a clear lead in the championship. Richmond will now have to come from behind, something It has seldom been forced to do. Its task is rtade even more difficult by

having tn face Papanui today. Another loss would practically wipe out Its last chance of setting the record. Although Avon leads the competition there is still some doubt about which at the two teams is the stronger. Avon’s victory was achieved largely through a home run by S. Whittington which brought in two other runners to tie the score. A change of pitcher by Richmond did not work out in the last innings and Avon scored the run needed for victory. The championship now might be decided onone pitch—the one that Whittington hit over the outfield. Much of Avon’s strength is situated in its fielding and batting while Richmond is fortunate to have the services <rf the prownce’s leading pitcher, K. Smith. Avon’s strongest batters, M. R. Napier and B. Bridgeman, are both effective outfieders and each took « magnificent catch last Saturday. The Canterbury selector and player-coach, P. Campbell. uses his experience well to assist his team while Richmond has the services of P- Joyce, Canterbury's best third baseman, as captain. E. Noonan and G. Woods are eOctant out-

fielders for Richmond while A. Graham is steady on second base.

Of the other four teams Papanui has played fairly well during the season without looking a possible titlewinner apart from its upset match against Richmond. Although it nearly upset Papanui on Saturday, Western Suburbs has not been consistent this season while Spreydon does not appear in the same class as the top three. United has been battered nearly every week and is desperately clinging to its senior status.