WOMEN'S TITLE

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33110, 28 December 1972, Page 16

WOMEN'S TITLE

Canterbury plays well (N.Z. Press Association) INVERCARGILL. By causing the surprise defeat of Auckland and pressing Wellington to a close score, Canterbury proved the personality team of the A section as the New Zealand women’s softball tournament began at Invercargill yesterday. Wellington, however, wheih beat Canterbury, 10-8, in the first match of the section, remains favourite for the title. Canterbury's win over Auckland in the afternoon was a thrilling match. A tight game which saw Auckland .make vital errors in the field I resulted in a 3-2 win to Canterbury. While Auckland gained seven hits safely, it could manage to score with only two runners. In contrast, Canterbury took only two safe hits off the Auckland pitcher, C. Kemp, but Auckland fielding errors alloWed three Canterbury runners home.

Kemp, the Auckland second-string pitcher, had an outstanding game, gaining eight strike-outs, but did not have the support which helped Canterbury’s pitcher, R. Stinson, who took three strike-outs but conceded seven hits and two walks. Results were:—

Section A.—Wellington 10, Canterbury 8; Otago 12, Nelson 6; Canterbury 3, Auckland 2; Wei lington 7, Otago 1; Auckland 10, Hutt Valiev 0.

Section B.—Wellington B 11, North Taranaki 1; Southland B 11, Otago B 10; Southland A 15, North Taranaki 1; Southland A 12, Otago B 10; Wellington B 11. North Otago 1