Other sports Uru hopes to beat back injury in time for trials Hutt Valley win three at softball nationals Women’s lightweight single sculls heating up Albert Pujols deadline passes with no deal Docherty, Gemmell set for triathlon battle Lance Armstrong announces cycling retirement Black Sticks pushing to improve on draw Home invasion has benefits for Gilmore Vindicated Alberto Contador back in the saddle Games medallist in pool rowing at nationals
Defending champions Hutt Valley showed their class on the opening day of the national women’s fastpitch tournament at North Shore’s Rosedale Park today.
The side won all their three games, beating Canterbury 7-0, Wellington 9-3 and Southern Pride 10-0.
In other games, last year’s runners-up Auckland beat Canterbury 4-0.
It was not all bad news for Wellington who opened with a 20-2 win over Southern Pride, getting half their runs in the sixth inning with White Sox player Brooke Cutting scoring twice, with Alison Boys and Lauren Pollard picking up two safe hits in that innings.
In the men’s competition it was a mixed day for defending champions Wellington.
They beat Hawke’s Bay 7-0 in their opening game but were upset by Canterbury 11-3 later in the day.
Last year’s beaten finalists Auckland won their opening game 4-2 against Canterbury.
In other games Hutt Valley and North Harbour beat Hawke’s Bay 5-2 and Southern Pride 11-7 respectively.
Results
Men: Auckland 4 Canterbury 2; Hutt Valley 5 Hawke’s Bay 2; North Habour 11 Southern Pride 7; Canterbury 11, Wellington 3; Wellington 7 Hawke’s Bay 0.
Women: Auckland 4 Canterbury 0; Wellington 20 Southern Pride 2; Hutt Valley 7 Canterbury 0; Hutt Valley 9 Wellington 3; Hutt Valley 10 Southern Pride 2.