Saints up and running

Marlborough’s Saints softball side marked their return to senior softball ranks with a couple of comfortable victories in Nelson on Saturday.

Team manager Darren Aldridge suggested that two wins on opening day “was an ideal way to start”.

“It was just great to see the guys back playing ball again … it’s certainly a good starting point and a confidence boost.”

Saints accounted for the youthful Cardinals side first-up, winning 14-1 through the mercy rule in the fourth inning.

Next up they faced a tougher assignment, against Pirates. Saints led just 2-1 in the fifth but ran hot with the bat to wrap the game up 12-1 in the sixth.

Youngster Willem Hayton pitched both games, a big step up which he handled well.

The infield of Callum Hayton, first baseman Campbell Gill and Drew Roberts also impressed, along with outfielder Anaru Anderson.

Sam Kenny, after a four-year break, stood out with the bat, one hit striking the centre field fence on the full, while Gill managed an in-field home run. Blake Wisdom also looked comfortable at the plate.

Darren took 11 players to Saxton Field, including some youngsters, and said the side would only get better with several more senior players such as Braden Healy, Kyle Marfell and Tyler Bird expected to join the side in the forthcoming weeks.

Saints are at home for their next match, a double-header against top Nelson side Eagles at Lansdowne Park on November 6.