Hawke's Bay under-17 boys' softball coach Waka Wilkie was lamenting the lack of mental toughness in his squad last night.
His troops were beaten 12-5 by Southland in their first of three games on day two of their national tournament in Palmerston North yesterday before they bounced back to beat a combined Western Bay of Plenty-Hawke's Bay team 9-1. They finished the day with an 11-1 loss to unbeaten Auckland.
"We're making too many errors and that's because the boys are allowing that provincial mentality to creep in. Against Auckland they were like opossums startled in front of headlights and far too quiet. Yes it was the third game of the day and it was quite hot but we should have done better," Wilkie said.
With two wins and three losses to date Hawke's Bay must win both of their games today, against Canterbury and Hutt Valley B, and hope a couple of other results go their way to qualify for the top six playoffs in the 16-team tournament which ends tomorrow.
Against Southland Hawke's Bay made five errors, one more than their opponents but the Bay's mistakes were made at more critical times. Both teams produced five hits in the five-inning encounter.