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By Phillip Rollo
Ramblers and Dodgers through to NZ men’s open club softball championships semis
When Black Sox captain Nathan Nukunuku smashed an early homer out of the park you could sense Ramblers had their swagger back.
The Auckland side were stunned by 16th seeds Johnsonville during pool play but returned to Saxton Ballpark in Nelson on Friday looking like a team ready to fight for the New Zealand men’s open club softball championships title they last won just two years ago.
With Japanese international pitcher Kenzo Okazaki showcasing his talents with the ball and Nukunuku leading the way with the bat, Ramblers breezed past Auckland United 4-1 and Poneke Kilbirnie (PK) 4-0 to book their place in the semifinals with a game to spare in Group A.
The number one seeds showed real hunger as they look to end the 2015/16 season with some silverware following a disappointing conclusion to their Auckland campaign, which saw them place third.
The five-day national tournament is currently at the top eight stage which sees eight teams split into two different groups. The top two from each group will progress into the sudden death semifinals on Saturday evening.
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