Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 21:04:37 +1300 From: Vance <vance(at)vanf-graphics.co.nz> Subject: Black Sox bat their way to Commonwealth Championship title Envelope-To: fastball(at)pmihrm.com
Black Sox bat their way to Commonwealth Championship title Sunday January 29th 2006 Awesome batting power and strong defence from the New Zealand Community Trust Black Sox has taken the team to victory this afternoon in the final of the Commonwealth Championship in Melbourne. The world champion NZCT Black Sox defeated Australia in the final 5-3 as they came from two runs down in the third inning to claim the title. We are very happy, to win any international tournament is always an honour. The team played very very well said NZCT Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase. Throughout the five day tournament the NZCT Black Sox have had the hitting power to get themselves out of trouble and again today it proved valuable. The NZCT Black Sox started strongly picking up one run in their first at bat when Nathan Nukunuku came home on a hit by Jarrad Martin. In the second inning though the game deviated from the NZCT Black Sox game plan as good pressure hitting saw the home side Australia score three runs courtesy of four hits and one fielding error. However down on the scoreboard the class of the NZCT Black Sox hitters showed through. In the top of the third inning power hitter Travis Wilson smashed the ball over the left field fence for his fourth home run of the championship. Not to be out done in the top of the fourth inning Brad Rona repeated the dose for the NZCT Black Sox as he fired one out of the park this time with Jarrad Martin on base to add another two runs. The NZCT Black Sox added an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning when lead off hitter Patrick Shannon doubled to left field and then scored on a hit by Brad Rona. On the mound for the NZCT Black Sox was Marty Grant and after the second inning onslaught from the Aussie hitters he took control of the game. Grant pitched the full game facing 28 batters giving up six hits and three walks while taking two strikeouts. Looking back on the results coach Eddie Kohlhase believes it was a combination of strong defence and good hitting that won his team the title. It came down to hitting and good defence, Marty Grant started well then he gave up a couple of runs but he finished very strongly. He was backed up by some outstanding defence and the outfield of Thomas Makea, Gus Leger and Daniel Milne made some outstanding outs said Kohlhase. To make the final the NZCT Black Sox defeated Samoa 6-1 in the semi final on Saturday night. While Australia took the long route to the championship game defeating South Africa 5-4 and then beating Samoa today 3-1. The NZCT Black Sox went through the five day tournament unbeaten and were deserved winners in the final. Along will claiming the title the New Zealand team also made a sweep of the individual awards. Power hitter Travis Wilson was named tournament MVP, Wellington's Thomas Makea picked up the award for top batter and Marty Grant was named top pitcher. The NZCT Black Sox team along with the spoils of victory will return home tomorrow afternoon. Next on the international programme for the title winning team is the Pacific Cup in Japan in May. By SNZ Media Liaison: Kelly Mitchell * mailto:kelly.mitchell(at)xtra.co.nz http://www.softball.org.nz/ * mailto:snz(at)softball.org.nz Cheers Vance Softball New Zealand web master. * mailto:vance(at)vanf-graphics.co.nz Als Fastball List *Email: fastball(at)pmihrm.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.AlsFastball.com/ NEWS: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball eScribe is down, but may be back soon escribe.com _______________________________________________ Alsfastball mailing list Alsfastball@fastpitchwest.com http://fastpitchwest.com/mailman/listinfo/alsfastball_fastpitchwest.com
