Giants upset over Porirua

A stunning first innings which saw them score five runs played a huge part in Giants' upset 7-4 win over Porirua City United in their Inter City series men's softball match played at South Park, Masterton, on Saturday.
It was the first win secured over the powerful PCU side by Giants this season and it means they remain in contention for a semifinal berth in a competition comprising the best club sides in both Wellington and Hutt Valley.
Giants pitcher Ritchie Clarke said his players went into the game knowing a strong start was their best chance of questioning PCU's ability to respond to pressure but even Clarke admitted the first innings run feast was more than ever could have been anticipated.
"It was an absolute flyer ... we just kept putting bat to ball and the runs came," Clarke said.
"It was good basic stuff."
From that point on Giants were always in control with some astute work in the field ensuring it wasn't until their very last turn at bat that PCU gave any hint of a possible fightback, and even then it didn't last for long.
"Our defence was spot on, we never really gave them a look in," Clarke said. Singling out any Giants player for special mention in a match where every squad member did their fair share towards the victory might seem unfair but centre fielder, Hutt Valley representative Blair Thompson, was a standout through his brilliance in the field and the sureness of his batting which saw him deliver two safe hits.