by Carol Cook
While organisers of the annual NBS Labour Weekend Tournament were concerned about the weather predictions for the weekend, they need not have worried as conditions were perfect for the first two days of the tournament.
The Saxton Field diamonds were groomed to perfection to showcase undoubtedly the best facility in the country. Two teams from Poneke Kilbirnie in Wellington and Canterbury’s Albion, Halswell, Papanui, Parklands Christchurch United and Marlborough’s Saints joined local teams Stoke Eagles and United Titans in the three day tournament. The nine teams play a round robin before the top two play the final on Monday.
Stoke Eagles have to be satisfied with four wins, however they were a little disappointed with the 9-2 loss to Papanui.
Canadian import, Brandon Peck has proved to be invaluable on the mound where he has claimed the four wins. He is throwing the ball hard to hit some great spots and can be expected to be given the ball for the final games on Monday. Derryn French believes his team can be competitive against Albion to “give them a run for their money”.
Peck has been well supported by the youthful Daniel Mallabar, who has called the game well from behind the plate as well as some strong performances in the outfield. Should Daniel continue in a similar vein he can look forward to an impressive season.
Evergreen Nathan Delaney and the experience of Damien Dolejs has been invaluable in the field, while Derryn has set high standards for himself he has led by example.
It has been a tough weekend at the diamond for United Titans as they have not recorded a win, however the experience has been well worthwhile. The team is a mixture of both experience and youth and each would have benefited from plying themselves against classy opposition which includes a number of past or present Black Sox players.
The Home Run Derby team competition was won by Titans Kyle Glass and Jeremy McIlroy, while PCU Devils Michael Sands won the individual prize.
