Magpie's Virginie Anneveld attempts to bunt the ball during the Premier Womens Auckland Fastpitch Championship Softball Final.

Western Magpies coach Tua Raroa says it was always going to be a highly-contested final against one of their fiercest rivals. 

"We just exploded in the third innings, with a combination of big hits from Aaria Tawha, Kaleo Eldredge, Gillian Wills and Virginie Anneveld."

The Bears started to make a comeback in the fifth innings with two runs but couldn't overtake the Magpies' early momentum, who managed to claw another run to take their total to five. 

"I didn't relax until part-way through the seventh innings because we've lost after a four run lead before," Raroa says. 

Bears coach Dion Nukunuku says both teams could have taken the game but the Magpies were able to control the Bear's hitters, making it a well-deserved win.

"Tyla started the game because she has had a really standout year. But their pitcher Jennifer Feret was pretty commanding throughout the game.

"It was an eye-opener for us after winning the last two tournaments."

​Tegan Bromhead tried to pull the Bears closer in the sixth innings with two out but it wasn't to be.

Nukunuku says his side has been plagued by injury so far this season, with another player picking one up over the weekend. 

"We have a resilient group and the game still had plenty of positives. But if there was any complacency before this game, there definitely isn't now."

Both teams view the game as a good rehearsal for club nationals which begin on Thursday. 

Raroa says his side has had a staggered year with many "ups and downs" so the win is a big confidence booster ahead of nationals. 

Both teams start the next tournament on Thursday in the same pool. 

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 - Stuff