Sun, Nov 28, 2021 2:11 PM
Peter Jones
Marlborough’s Saints softballers continued their re-emergence on the top of the south scene with a successful and convincing performance at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.
Up against Nelson-based side Titans, in a double-header, the local side prevailed 16-6 and 12-2, both matches ended by the mercy rule in the fourth inning.
Youngster Willem Hayton pitched the first encounter, with Jaymie Blake catching. In the second match veteran Marshall Rawiri came onto the mound with Anaru Anderson shifting from the outfield to catcher.
The results were similar, the Titans’ batters producing the occasional hit but unable to string enough together for a game-changing inning. In contrast, Saints made hay in the third inning of each clash, seven runners crossing home plate in each as the local batters began to either find holes in the outfield or drive the ball low and hard through the infield.
Several inside-the-park home runs were scored, notably two by Anderson in the second game. Hayton also rounded the bases on the back of a hefty hit during the first match, showing he is a handy batter as well as an accomplished hurler.
Braden Healy, Campbell Gill, Callum Hayton, Sam Kenny, Drew Roberts and Tyler Bird showed their prowess with the bat, while Gill, Hayton, Bird and Roberts displayed slick skills in the infield.