Softball: Auckland thump Valley in final

Auckland have won their first men's national provincial title in seven years, outclassing Hutt Valley 9-1 in the grand final in Christchurch yesterday.

The Aucklanders started with a hiss and a roar, and were on top after only three innings with a 7-0 lead.

They outbatted Hutt by nine hits to six, Kurt Allan, Patrick Shannon, Scott O'Neale, and Takaki Sato all contributing two each.

Starting Hutt Valley pitcher Paul Algar was replaced on the mound by Brad Baker in the second innings.

Hosts Canterbury had to settle for third place, despite a big finish to their campaign.

The Red Sox overcame North Harbour 7-3 with an aggressive display in their last round-robin game - all they could do without outside help to make the tournament final.

Unfortunately for the home team, they were stymied by a come-from-behind 4-3 win by Auckland over Hutt Valley on the other diamond.

With Auckland trailing 3-1, two out in the bottom of the sixth, two on base, and two strikes on the batter, Patrick Shannon hoisted a steepling home run over the right-field fence.

Hutt Valley had been 3-1 in front since the second innings.

The previous Auckland run was a monster Donny Hale homer that cleared two fences and headed for the trees.

The result meant the same teams met in the final, Auckland going straight through with four wins, and Hutt Valley from Canterbury and North Harbour (all three wins) on run ratio.

- NZPA