Ramblers' run fades

A sustained fight-back in the final inning was not enough to help Mt Albert Ramblers retain their Auckland Fastpitch title against the Waitakere Bears on Saturday.

Waitakere took advantage after Ramblers lost regular pitcher John Hireme to a family bereavement, and pounced on rookie Saan Tuoro for a 6-4 win.

But Tuoro had no assistance from his batters until the seventh inning, when veteran Aaron Thompson stepped up to the plate at Simson Reserve in Penrose.

Thompson started the rush in the sixth when he showed his side that opposing Black Sox pitcher Heinie Shannon was hittable.

Then Matthew Hicks started the seventh with a big hit to get to third base, with four runs following as international Nathan Nukunuku, Bobbie King, Bernard Hale and, finally, Thompson again all made it on to base.

Unfortunately for Ramblers, the rally faded with two men left in a scoring position.

After three years of local and national trophies, Ramblers have to settle for second place, though they would have been confident earlier in the day after defeating local rival Auckland United 5-0 in the major semifinal.

The next challenge for Ramblers, United, Eden-Roskill and Waitakere is the national championships which start in Christchurch on March 16.

Meanwhile, Ramblers' women could not capitalise on a great start against Otahuhu in their championship semifinal on Saturday.

After scoring two early runs, the reigning champions faded as Otahuhu recovered to win 5-2 before losing to Bears in the women's final.

Ramblers and Bears are in the same tough section at the women's nationals, starting today, along with Hutt Valley Saints and Wellington's Miramar. Six Auckland clubs are in Hutt Valley for the series, won last year by Hutt club Te Aroha over Waitakere.

- © Fairfax NZ News