CANTERBURY TO DEFEND BENSEL CUP AT AUCKLAND

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 7

CANTERBURY TO DEFEND BENSEL CUP AT AUCKLAND

Canterbury, which has held the Bensel Cup for the top provincial women’s softball team for the last two years, will defend its title at Auckland from January 2-7. A win for Canterbury would create a new record of three consecutive victories.

This year’s team is very strong and compares favourably with its predecessors. Canterbury will play Wellington, Hutt Valley, West Coast, Otago, Waikato, and Auckland. None of these provinces has beaten Canterbury at tournaments in the last two seasons and they will find Canterbury hard to master.

The fielding of Canterbury at last year's tournament- was far superior - to that of the. other teams. It should again be of a very high standard. There are only two changes from last year's winning team—L. Lagrosse is now living in Wellington and J. Cameron is not available. B. Makinson will be on the mound for Canterbury, a position she has held for nine years. She has maintained her previous good form and should give opposing batters anxious moments. She has represented the 'South Island for eight years and is vice-captain of the side.

The battery is completed by N. Beale, who showed her best form last year. She has been catcher to B. Makinson in club softball for the last five years. M. Gaskell returns to the representative team this year. She has been playing well in local competitions and is a very safe first baseman. L. Penney, who will be on second base, has proved to be a reliable fielder and baseman. H. Johnson, a third baseman and captain of the side, is well known throughout New Zealand for, her third base play and is in excellent form.

L. Parish, who in the last few seasons has been in indifferent has regained representative honours and will be at shortstop. She has one of the most powerful throws in Canterbury and is a safe and alert fielder. It may be remembered that Parish, aged 14, and playing in her first inter-provincial tournament. was top South Island batter C. Brown, left field, has been consistent in local games with some amazing dismissals. C. Mullally. at centre field, is an active outfielder, and with plenty of speed, is capable of taking some good running catches.

T. Tuhou, right field, usually a second baseman. has played in the outfield for Canterbury in recent seasons. She is a very safe field and has a good throw. She is recognised as one of the

fastest baserunners in New Zealand.

The three utility players, from the Kaiapoi club and in their first season of senior softball, have a great deal of ability. J. Hudson, the second string pitcher, has an easy style with a well controlled delivery. She is also a competent outfielder with a particularly long and accurate throw. M. Wright, a catcher, is safe in this position and has a fast throw. M. Hopkins is capable of playing in the outfield or infield but she usually plays at short stop and is a sure fielder with a good throw. The team has a number of long hitters and several good hunters. There is strength ii the field and at the bat.