Giants are a little short for double header

Giants will be missing four of their regular players when they travel to Fraser Park tonight for a double header in the Hutt Valley premier men's softball competition.
Karaitiana brothers Corie and Justin, Ryan Shannahan and American Dave Boon are all unavailable, which will leave Giants with just nine players to face up to the might of Wainuiomata at 5pm and Cardinals three hours later.
Pitcher Ritchie Clarke said the absence of so many regulars would test the depth of the Giants squad but he was confident they retained enough talent in both the batting and fielding departments to secure two wins.
"Obviously we are going to have to make a few positional changes but we won't be using that as an excuse if we don't play well. The guys we have are still capable of doing a good job," he said.
Clarke labelled Wainuiomata and Cardinals as being similar sides who tended to produce their best form when they established an early lead.
"They seem to grow another leg when they get their tails up so it's important we start well and keep the pressure on," he said.