South Island Secondary School Softball Championships, Dunedin

This was always going to be a tough tournament as we had a very young team, including three year 8’s and two year 9’s, but to also have both of our pitchers and catchers come into the event carrying injuries made it a herculean challenge. To come 7th while not the result we had hoped for, was still a creditable achievement.

We lost to Southland Boys High 0-6, Otago Boys High 4-10 and Papanui High 3-9 in pool play, frustratingly all games that could have gone our way. In the cross over games we played James Hargest, who had a point to prove after missing out on the top 4 and they smashed us. 19-0.

The boys showed a lot of character, picking themselves up to finish on a positive note however, with wins against Kaikorai 3-2 and Rangiora High schools.12-2

For many of the boys this was their first softball trip away, and their first time staying on a marae. Araiteuru marae was a great facility to stay in, close to the grounds and I know all the team learned from and enjoyed the experience.

Bring on Invercargill next year!