Nukunuku and Chapman lead Ramblers to national title as New Zealand men’s, women’s softball club champions crowned
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<p>Four-time men’s softball world champion Nathan Nukunuku led his club team Ramblers to the New Zealand's Men’s Open Club National Championship, claiming the best hitter of the tournament, while Black Sox ace Daniel Chapman was the best pitcher of the competition.</p>
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<p>Player-coach Nukunuku led Ramblers from Auckland to their third consecutive Men’s Open Club National Championship title, sharing the top-batter prize with Howick's Seth Gibson, while Chapman pitched the Ramblers to an 8-1 victory over Papanui in the final in Lower Hutt. Bradley Bennett, a member of the Black Sox preliminary roster for the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2022, was the MVP of the competition. </p>
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<p>It’s the first time in 21 years that a team has won three straight Men’s Open Club National Championships. The last team to achieve this honour was Poneke Kilbirnie from 1998 to 2000.</p>
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<p>Meanwhile, Otahuhu claimed their first Women’s Open Club Championship title after beating Te Aroha 10-5 in the final in Christchurch. </p>
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<p>At the Women’s Open Club Championship, Otahuhu’s shortstop Logan Moreland was the best hitter of the tournament, while her teammate Mereana Makea was named the most valuable player of the tournament. Te Aroha’s pitcher Shivaun Landeros was the top pitcher of the competition.</p>
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