Giants steeled for tight tussle

Softball

It will be a top-of-the table clash when Giants and Steelers meet in a Hutt Valley President's grade men's softball match at South Park, Masterton, tomorrow.

Giants, the defending champions, have a narrow advantage over Steelers, the 2011 champions, on the points table but are expecting a close contest.

"They [Steelers] are a good side, they bat well and they field well, you can never take them for granted," Giants president Allan Clarke said.

The absence of big-hitter Gordon Wilmshurst is a blow for Giants as is the unavailability of catcher Mark Fricker but in the likes of Russell and Matt Kawana and Terry Waitere they still have players capable of putting bat to ball with telling effect and pitcher Tony Nixon is capable of dominating a match.

Giants are also top of the points table in the combined Wellington-Hutt Valley premier three competition and should continue on their winning way when they play an away game against Paramata-Plimmerton tomorrow. They will be without experienced pitcher Justin Karaitiana but the return of Michael McDermott means they will still be well served.

Giants under-15s play Stokes Valley at Stokes Valley tomorrow morning while the Giants under-13s are up against Hutt City at Fraser Park.