KEY POINTS:
Hutt Valley are on target to retain their national women's softball league title.
The reigning champions maintained their perfect record in the league this season by beating Auckland 3-0 and Wellington 7-2 in the second round in the capital yesterday.
That followed second round wins yesterday, 9-3 over Canterbury and 9-2 over Southern Pride 9-2.
Hutt Valley have automatically qualified for the finals, in Lower Hutt on February 28, when their opponents will be the winners of a match between Auckland and Southern Pride, to be played earlier that day.
Hutt Valley coach Naomi Shaw understandably has no complaints about her team.
"I am pleased with the way we have played. This is a very good team, with talented players," Shaw said.
Their experience and talent shone through as Kiri Shaw, Cindy Potae, Zavana Aranga and Nadia Mauriohooho all performed well, backed up by some outstanding fielding from their teammates and tight pitching from Alisha Manley and Ngahuia Kapene.
"Everyone has played well and have stepped up for us," Shaw said.
The season's honours between Auckland and Southern Pride are even after the latter scored four runs in the sixth inning yesterday to beat Auckland 4-2.
Southern Pride pitcher Megan Farrell impressed, the draft selection from Auckland giving up five hits in the entire game.
Auckland also enjoyed a perfect round in the men's competition in Christchurch to qualify for the finals.
The defending champions showed their class with comfortable wins over Southern Pride 9-1, North Harbour 9-0, Canterbury 6-2 and Wellington 7-3.
The only team to come close were Hutt Valley, who Auckland beat 7-5.
Despite winning just three of their five games this weekend Wellington have also qualified for the finals along with Canterbury.
Wellingotn booked their place in the semifinal with wins over Hutt Valley 3-0, North Harbour 6-0 and Canterbury 3-0.
Canterbury had wins over Southern Pride 13-3, North Harbour 11-8 and Hutt Valley 5-1.
- NZPA
