The NZ Police Softball men’s team hit it out of the park at the annual Interservices tournament against the Defence Force.

Police were unbeaten, with runs going into double figures for most of the games, held in Auckland from February 18 to 20. 

On day one, Police kicked off the tournament in winning style, beating the NZ Army, 9-5. 

Police had a slow start with the teams going run for run for three innings, but then Police put together a few hits to take the lead – including a home run over the left-field fence by pitcher Phil Bayne. 

In the afternoon, they secured top place in the main round after drubbing the Air Force, 12-2. 

The next day, it was the Navy’s turn as Police raced to an early lead that they never relented, eventually winning 10-2. A new pitching combination of Kallan Compain and Lewis Temarama proved invaluable in keeping Navy’s chances to a minimum.

In the afternoon, they put on another stunning display against the Air Force taking a hefty 14-2 win. Greg Foster starred in the match, smacking a three-run homer in the first innings and then pitching a near perfect game.

The winning margin grew even bigger on the final day with Police taking down the Navy 17-0 in only three innings. Kallan Compain stood out with the bat, hitting two home runs including a grand slam (with loaded bases).

The final in the afternoon was looking like it might be a close scoring affair against the NZ Army, until Police pulled away and took some great outs. A home run from Lewis Temarama helped secure an emphatic 9-0 win and the title of tournament champions. 

In their first time back playing the armed services since Covid struck, Police once again hold the Tournament Shield.