It was great to see a good number of new players in the Term 1 competition.

This term we had a mix of beginner and experienced players all keen to learn and have some fun playing softball.  We ended up with enough players to enter two mixed teams into the local competition.  All games were played in great spirit and a lot of laughs had.  The highlight of the term was attending the SISS Softball Tournament in Alexandra during Tournament week.  

We always knew that taking a mixed team and playing in the Boys' grade was always going to be a challenge. The level of softball we played against was high, with strong teams entered from around the South Island.  Whilst we struggled with the level of skill sometimes, alot was learnt and fun was had by both the players and coaches. 

Highlights of the Tournament were:

Scoring 9 runs against Dunstan High School.

Aaron Cudmore (Year 9) made base 80% of the time while hitting.  Aran also worked his speed on the pitching mound when the team needed him to.

Will Mason (aka "Big Rig") strong on the mound pitching all tournament. He also hit a massive home run against James Hargest High. Probably the biggest hit I have ever seen at a Secondary Schools Tournament.

Cayla Roberts doing a sterling effort catching even though she was constantly getting hammered in the process.

Body catches by Baxter Lin and Natasha Blakie. A few great outfield catches from our juniors of Baxter, Natasha, Daniel.

Tight fielding by Zac Cummings at 3rd base.

Beating Riccarton High School 11-10.  Will Mason hitting in the winning run in the bottom of the 5th.  Everyone playing their part.

Kush Desai home run vs Ashburton.

Mr Findlays new vocabulary - 'Hey Cayla", "Big Rig", "Shot".

While on tournament we also did a bit of tiki touring including visits to Lake Tekapo, The Clay Cliffs, Alexandra Clock, swimming in the river and being first reponders to a mountain biking accident in the hills.

A big thank you to NZCT who funded our accommodation, and also to Miss Townsend and Mr Findlay for coaching for the week.