Waiohau pip champions in feature game | Rotorua Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Rotorua

Waiohau One's drive to claim their first Rotorua Softball Association premier one men's title since 2002 gathered force on Saturday.

The Jimmy Natana and Tuakana August-coached side pipped defending club champions MSM Magic 2-1 on diamond one at the Rotorua International Stadium and in the process won the Associations's round one trophy.

The closeness in the scoreline reflected the even line-up of the two top of the table sides, who were both unbeaten this season going into the match - as well as reflect powerful pitching by Magic's Phil Ngawaka and Waiohau's Sam Clark.

Apart from a frantic spell in the opening innings, both pitchers threw consistently to prevent the batting order from stretching their legs. Pitching in all six innings, Ngawaka struck out 12 of the 19 batters he faced, while conceding one walk, two runs and two hits.

In comparison, Clark struck out seven of the 23 batters he faced and conceded two walks, one run and three hits.

"Phil's pitching just shut everyone out," reflected a delighted Natana after the game. "We had been focusing on playing our short game and he just never gave us the chance."

Waiohau displayed the spirit that has lifted them into the top of the table position after coming back from one run down at the top of the first, when Magic's Jason Gerbes smacked the ball to bring home Austin Gear.

With Waiohau runners on bases one and two, new American import Ryan Ernst showed his class with the bat by thumping it into the outfield to bring home Tuakana August and Clark and take the score to 2-1.

Both teams struggled to put more runs on the board in the latter stages of the game, thanks to some slick fielding and the accurate arm of their pitchers.

Even in the sixth innings, when the Magic became agitated after the umpire ruled hard hitting Gerbes with a strikeout after taking too long in the batters box, Waiohau maintained their calm to clinch the victory.

"I can't single anybody out, it was just a good team effort," said Natana. "It also sent a signal that Marist can be beaten."

However the Waiohau club's good fortunes did not stop there. Earlier in the day the Blazers thrashed Allstars Women 15-0 and the Development side recorded a convincing 15-1 victory over Wakite in the premier one women's division.

The two wins ensured the Blazers and Developments status as first and second on the leaderboard respectively, and both now genuine contenders for the women's club championship title.

In other premier one men's games Fordlands brought their spirited style of play to the fore to beat Waikite Tigers 9-6, Tarewa Giants beat Allstars men and Whaka Black had a 7-0 default win over Waiohau Two.

Next weekend the Association will host the Lion Red Knockout Tournament.

For full results see today's Daily Post