Softball: Ramblers hold on to title hopes

Mt Albert Ramblers are still in with a title chance at the national men's club softball championships in Christchurch despite yesterday's 9-0 thrashing from defending champions Poneke Kilbirnie.

PK were always in control, scoring three runs in their first turn at bat and then going on a 6-run scoring spree in the third innings.

Kyle Kouka started on the mound for Ramblers but was taken out of the game in the fourth inning after giving up 10 hits.

Thomas Cameron finished the game, facing 16 batters for two hits.

For PK Darren Tait and Fabian Makes hit home runs.

The result leaves PK unbeaten at the top of section A. But Ramblers have three wins and two losses and can still make the top four to go through to the play-offs.

Earlier, Ramblers did some power hitting of their own in a 9-1 win over Christchurch's Richmond.

Lyndon Andrew hit two home runs, and Kelvin Roberts and Scott O'Neil also cleared the fence.

In section B Auckland Marist continue to lead the way, picking up their fifth win by beating Wellington side St George 6-1.

Roman Gabriel and Johnny Smith hit home runs, and Donny Hale and Taifau Matai had two hits each.

Northcote put their campaign back on track with a 10-nil win over Papanui, wrapping the game up in five innings.

Duane Jerrard hit a home run, and Rod Caddy had three hits and Dean Wallace two.

In the upset of the day, Christchurch United's unbeaten run was brought to an end by a 5-4 loss to Richmond in a ninth inning tie-breaker.

Hutt City United remained unbeaten after a 6-1 win over South Canterbury.

Meanwhile, Auckland Marist softballer Patrick Shannon has a whole new attitude to the sport.

And if his performance at the championships this week is anything to go by, it's paying dividends.

Shannon went into an early retirement last year after missing selection for the Black Sox team that won the world series in South Africa in July.

With one youngster already and a new baby on the way, Shannon felt it was the time to hang up his gloves and concentrate on his family.

But his Marist teammates convinced him to play again this season and he eventually agreed.

But he says he's come back with a different focus.

"I was really disappointed to miss out on that world series team and for a while I didn't want to play any more," he said.

"Now I'm not thinking so much about my individual form but about the team. That's my priority. I want to help the team do well and pass on some of what I know to the younger players."

National honours are still a real possibility for Shannon, especially as current New Zealand catcher and captain Mark Sorenson has indicating this is likely to be his last year of international play. Shannon is well aware of the opportunity, but says he's not thinking about his chances of filling th gap.

"It would be good but I'm not holding my breath this time after being disappointed last time."