KEY POINTS:
One run was enough for Southland to claim the National Provincial Cup women's softball title in Wellington yesterday.
Southland clinched the title with a 1-0 victory in the final over North Harbour, repeating the success they had at the tournament in 2005.
Southland scored the winning run in the top of the third inning when catcher Carmelle Sorenson crossed home plate as the North Harbour outfield fumbled a couple of catches.
"North Harbour made a couple of errors and we took advantage of that," said Southland coach Russell Frisby.
"We fielded really well and I think it was a good game of softball like the old days," he said.
Frisby believed fielding was the difference between the teams, with tight pitching from both sides providing few opportunities.
Southland pitcher Ali Arnold faced 23 batters, and gave up just three hits while taking nine strikeouts.
Michal Tangaroa was just as dominant for North Harbour, facing 29 batters, giving up four hits and claiming seven strikeouts.
Southland and North Harbour had been the form teams of the tournament, both suffering just one loss in round robin play.
North Harbour coach Jackie Smith acknowledged that a couple of lapses in the field cost them the final.
"Once you get down to pressure games likes finals you can't make fielding errors," Smith said.
- NZPA
