INTERESTING MATCHES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27521, 16 October 1950, Page 7

INTERESTING MATCHES

Softball

Only Two Teams Unbeaten In Competition

HIGH STANDARD OF PLAY An interesting series of matches marked the second round of the men’s softball competition, the results of which have left only two teams, Logan Park and St. Kilda undefeated. Conditions on all grounds were good, but keen judgment was called for when taking catches in the high cross wind. The high standard of play set when competitions commenced last week was well maintained, odd lapses proving costly and resulting in some scores mounting. Outstanding Game Training College and 2nd NZEF played the outstanding game of the day, an extra innings being required before a decision iwas reached. The standard of play by both teams was exceptionally high, and the catching especially, was superb. 2nd NZEF took 13 catches and College, 12. Ray de Carie, a new pitcher for the returned servicemen, gave a very creditable exhibition until the seventh innings when he appeared to tire and allowed two College batters to “ walk ” when the bases were loaded. Daniels pitched consistently for College. No runs were scored by either side in the first innings. Laurie gave NZEF a lead in the second and Lainchbury added a further run in the third innings. College did not scofe until the fourth innings when Daniels came home, to which Gibson added another in the sixth to make the score two all. Then for NZEF de Carie and Hawkins scored, Gibson and Anderson scoring for College thus making the score 4—all. In the extra innings, the eighth, Booth and Monson scored for NZEF while Blanchard was the only College runner to score thus making the final score 2nd NZEF 6, Training College 5. There was one double play which featured the NZEF shortstop, E. Wood, who jumped high to catch a hard-driven ball from Thyne ’which he immediately relayed to first base to retire Clarke who could not get back quickly enough. The umpire was Mr J. Goodman. Mornington Beats City Central

After having defaulted last week, last year’s champion team, City Central, went down on Saturday to Mornington, who proved themselves a much better team than last season when they failed to win a game. Ferguson pitched for Mornington and though he had the assistance of a strong following wind was content to send down medium-paced deliveries and only occasionally pitched a fast one. City’s batters were never masters of the situation and too often hit into the air, the opportunities being gratefully accepted by a keen Mornington field. Murphy pitched for City and though he was consistent did not receive full support from the field, which indulged in some costly wild throwing. Mornington was in command of the situation from the outset and led by 8 to nil at the end of the fourth innings. City came back strongly with three runs in their fifth and another in their sixth while Mornington failed to add to their total. The final score was Mornington 8, City Central 4. Bainbridge 3. Joss and Watson 2 each, and Senior 1, scored for Mornington while Wood, Murphy, Hunter and Cathro scored for City. Messrs Fairlie and Dickison were the umpires. Logan Park Shows Experience Taking every advantage of the opportunities that came its way, Logan Park appeared more experienced than RNZAF and ran out winners by 19 to 10. In base running and stealing the Park showed clear superiority but in all other phases the teams were evenly matched and there was not the difference the scores would indicate. R. Smitheram was the opening pitcher for Park and showed considerable ability with medium paced deliveries. R. Verrell replaced Smitheram after the third innings and his fast pitching spelt trouble for the Air Force batters. At the end of the third innings the airmen led by 10 to 5 but from here on Park asserted themselves to score in each successive innings to take the final score to Logan Park 19, RNZAF 10. L. Dyson 3, including d home run, G. Verrall, A. McCrorie, R. Smitheran and A. King 3 each, W. Winslade 2, including a home run and C. Betts and W. Dickison 1 each scored for Park, while D. Warner 3, Robinson and F. Coory 2 each La Roche, L. Potter and R. Ropata 1 each scored for RNZAF.

Mr T. Allen was the umpire. Unexpected Climax

The St. Kilda v. Hillside match produced a most unexpected climax. With the scores tied at s—all at the end of the sixth innings the Hillside fielding slumped and St. Kilda added 18 runs in their last innings. A large gap was left in the outfield and the St. Kilda batters in complete command repeatedly hit through it. Oates pitched well for Hillside and received full support until the fateful seventh innings when the fielders completely lost touch. G. Fleming pitched well for St. Kilda and dismissed two batters when he caught hard drives. R. Vickers, first base, gave a creditable display and S. Fleming took some fine catches in the outfield. F. Evans, catcher, showed considerable promise and combined well with G. Fleming. Highest scorers for St. Kilda were S. Fleming, R. Vickers, Jamieson and F. Evans all with three each. The final score was St. Kilda 23, Hillside 12.

Mr G. Nelson was the umpire Other Results

Second Grade.—Training College 14, Hilside 6; Maori Hill 15, RNZAF 10; Wakari 9, TCOB 6.