Softball: Outfielder keen to hit cancer out of park

Maraenui Pumas outfielder Horowai Puketapu prepares to bat during Saturday's loss to Fast Pitch Giants.

True unbeaten defending champions Fast Pitch Giants are setting a hot pace in Hawke's Bay's premier men's pre-Christmas softball competition.

Their roll continued with a 12-1 drubbing of Maraenui Pumas at Akina Park, Hastings on Saturday. Third baseman Puhi Rapaea smashed a grand slam automatic home run over the centre outfield fence on diamond two to give Giants an early 4-0 lead in the first inning.

Canadian pitcher Kyle Crawford pitched a no hitter and collected seven strikeouts before allowing one of his deputies, Mario Herbert, to take the mound in the fourth inning. However Rapaea and Crawford will be the first to admit their feats pale in comparison to those of Pumas centre outfielder Horowai Puketapu who continues to play while receiving treatment for cancer in his left lung.

"I was diagnosed with hodgkin lymphoma five months ago. I've had eight chemotherapy sessions and next month I will start a month-long stint of radiation and I'll be cancer-free after that," 21-year-old Puketapu explained.

"I wasn't going to let the cancer beat me. I know my own body and the doctors told me if I felt weak at any time I shouldn't train or play but I'm the fittest and healthiest I've ever been."

Ngati Kahungunu's 2011 Junior Sportsman of the Year, Puketapu, was also told by doctors he may put on weight with all his treatment.

"That made me train harder. I ran the hills more than ever before and did more gym work. I weigh 80kgs these days, 40kgs less than my days at Napier Boys' High School," Puketapu said.

"I've had a lot of support from family and friends including my softball family. Another family member who is battling cancer has been my inspiration."

A lifeguard at the Ocean Spa pools, Puketapu, has also played rep softball this summer and during the winter he played rugby league for the Bay Bulldogs team which reached the Hawke's Bay reserve grade grand final.

Next winter he intends to play rugby for the Maraenui senior team. Originally Puketapu's plan was to enter the Navy in January.

"I've had to delay those plans and I will re-sit the tests. That won't be a problem because after January I'll be a new me," he added.

Puketapu picked a walk and ground during his two turns at bat. Pumas batting highlight was an automatic home run from former Junior Black Sox infielder Tiwana Aranui off Herbert in the fourth inning.

Catcher Curtis Huata and substitute Aidan Fleming hit three baggers for the Giants.

Error-free defence was the key to Saints 9-7 win against Vikings in the other premier encounter. Saints also out hit Vikings 11-9.

Substitute left outfielder Luke Herrick hit an automatic home run over the right outfield fence on diamond one for Vikings. Third baseman Wayne Edwards and centre outfielder Dean Stafford hit three baggers for Vikings.

The Hawke's Bay-based Central Vikings men's rep team travelled home from their Wellington intercity competition games with two wins and a loss in the scorebook yesterday. Centre outfielder Callum Carson and pitcher Kyle Crawford both smashed automatic home runs in a 6-4 win against Hutt Valley Marist at Porirua.

Third baseman Huata collected three hits from as many turns at bat in a 3-1 loss to Porirua City United. The Central Vikings other win came courtesy of a default from Johnsonville.