Cross Country Rentals Giants successfully came through a double header in the Hutt Valley premier men's softball league last Thursday, beating Cardinals 2-1 and Wainuiomata 6-1.
The match was a cracker with Cardinals scoring the opening run in the fourth innings through a series of hiccups, including a batter being walked,
a stolen base and an overthrow. Giants left it until their last turn at bat at the top of the seventh to open their account.
Sam Overduin started things off with a safe hit and sensible batting from Nathan Shannahan and Danny Brown enabled Overduin and Shannahan to make home plate and set up the 2-1 win.
"It was touch and go all the way through and I'd have to say it would have easier on the nerves had we got our noses in front a bit earlier on," Giants pitcher Ritchie Clarke said.
Expectations were that Wainuiomata would provide stern opposition but Giants established a comfortable enough lead to shut their opposition out of the game.
Pitching for Wainuiomata was highly-regarded national under-19 representative Zane Siolo but, despite his best efforts, Giants put bat to ball on a regular basis with everybody contributing to the win.
"It was one of those matches when just about everything went to plan," Clarke said.
The wins were the first by Giants in this season's competition and improved their chances of making it to the grand final.
