Timing issues could dent Giants winning prospects

The prospects of Giants successfully defending their Hutt Valley premier league men's softball title tomorrow night at Fraser Park, Avalon could be dented by timing issues.
Coach Tony Nixon was unsure yesterday of whether he would be able to field a full strength side against Cardinals in their semi-final match, the winner of which will play either Hutt City United or Hutt Valley Marist in the final some two hours later.
Nixon said having the semi-final and final played midweek was frustrating for Giants in that it enhanced the chances of players being unable to leave work early enough to make the trip over the hill in time for the first game.
"Quite frankly it seems ridiculous to play matches of this importance midweek but that's what has been planned and we have to go along with it," Nixon said. "It's especially tough for us because of the travel involved, we could be missing a few players because of that."
Nixon does believe however, that a full strength Giants side is capable of beating Cardinals and then going on to win the final as well. "If everybody is on deck we can do it, no question about it," he said.
Giants and Cardinals have met twice already this season with the scorecard standing at a win apiece.
Nixon rates Cardinals highly for their prowess with the bat and therefore is adamant an error-free effort in the field must be a prime objective.
"They (Cardinals) will punish any mistakes, that's something we can take for granted," he said in expressing confidence that the Giants pitching staff of Ritchie Clarke and Justin Karaitiana would rise to the occasion.
"Quality pitchers love the challenge of taking on power hitters and Cardinals have quite a few of them," Nixon said.
Giants and Cardinals will meet again on Saturday is an Inter-City series top six playoff match which Giants must win to qualify for the semi-finals of that competition.