TOP PITCHERS CLASH

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32430, 17 October 1970, Page 48

TOP PITCHERS CLASH

The pitching performances of Richmond’s K. Smith, a 26-year-old veteran of more than a decade of first-class softball, and United’s D. Bradbury should provide the key to the outcome of the main senior men’s softball encounter at Papanui Domain today. Smith appears to have made a good recovery from the wrist and finger injuries which hampered his game last season. But it is the startling improvement in Bradbury’s -pitching which has been the main topic of! conversation amongst soft-1

ball enthusiasts in the last fortnight. Often inclined to fade in the latter stages of hard games in other years, Brgdbury underwent a strenuous course of weight-training during the winter months and greater stamina and markedly more speed are now evident in his pitching. After last Saturday’s match the Papanui A coach (Mr G. Griffin), who is also one of the three representative selectors this season, said that if the United player could maintain such form he would be a strong candidate for Canterbury’s top pitching position this year. Each team’s championship hopes depend largely on the outcome of today’s game. The softball played will undoubtiedly be tight and uncomproImising, if not spectacular.

: The difference between the two teams may be found in I the tactical approaches adopted by the coaches, ; Messrs E. L. Noonan (Richemond) and K. Davis.:. I “Although the Richmond boys know Dave’s pitching (Bradbury played for the club several seasons ago), I think i they might be in for a. shock when they see him this ’ season,” the United captain ■ (A. Hall) said yesterday. ' " Richmond and United have displayed the most consistent team batting of the competition so far, each having gained 11 safe hits spread amongst nine and. eight batters respectively in their [two games. However, United has successfully surmounted jone obstacle in its bid for the 'title which Richmond has yet to face; namely, Papanui A.