A damp and cold night provided the backdrop for the opening games of the FASTALL 45® Southern Regional Qualifier at Mizuno Ballpark in Christchurch tonight. Although the number of hits were light there was plenty of aggressive base running and action for the spectators to enjoy in the first game between the Kaiapoi Queens and PCU Angels. Former White Sox great Rhonda Hira grabbed one of her teams two hits and an RBI to help her side eliminate the Angels 5-3. In the later game, it was the PCU Devils men’s team that were victorious over a youthful Halswell Hornets 8-4. The Devils were led by Black Sox Josh Harbrow and Matt Watts as they combined for 5 of their teams 8 runs. Devils coach Ted Forester called the games newly introduced Offensive Declaration rule in the 3rd inning proving a master stroke allowing his team to win the inning followed by the game. Devils pitcher Kevin Papuni held the Hornets down only giving up the one hit and taking four strikeouts. Saturday’s games see the Sporting Edge Halswell Hornets against the Pak n Save Papanui Tigers in the women’s draw and the ELE Papanui Tigers take on the Kaiapoi King in the men’s division. |
Josh Harbrow
Rhonda Hira |