Hutt Valley set for another softball win

Press, 28 December 1978, Page 22

Hutt Valley set for another softball win

PA Palmerston North With seven present or former New Zealand representatives, Hutt Valley looks set for another successful national men’s softball championships. But as in recent years, strong challenges can be expected from Wellington and the strong, if not consistent, Auckland side. The Rothmans-sponsored tournament begins in Palmerston North today. This vear the tournament is divided into three sections. Otago. Waikato. Hutt Valley, Hawke’s Bay, Combined Services. Wellington, Auckland and Southland meet in section plav in the A division. The top six teams will battle it out for the Rothmans Trophy, while the remaining two will meet the top three teams from sections Bl and B2 in postsection play to decide the Headifen Trophy. The other teams from the bottom sections will contest the Ed Barr Cup. As in previous years the

Hutt Valley side’s big strength will lie in the batter’s box — Terry Nunns. Wayne Baldwin and Basil McLean are all experienced New Zealand representatives and all big hitters. Bob Jones, in the right field, with an average of .333. was top batter at the last national provincials and adds even more sting to the scoring machine. Although its obvious strength lies in the batting department, Hutt Valley will lose nothing on the pitching mound where John Dawson and the capable Paul Magan take responsibility. A former New Zealand captain, Daye McKhercher, has the Wellington coaching duties this year. With an ample supply of pitching talent. McKhercher’s men seem likely to push Hutt Valley the hardest. Much attention at the tournament will focus on Wellington’s No. 1 pitcher, Loren Algar. Recently returned from a season in the United States, Algar is reputed to be in dvnamic form. Alongside a national representative, Kevin

Henderson, these two form ; a powerful combination. In the past Auckland has ; found difficulty in keeping 'Consistent form. The side finished second to Hutt Valley at the last tournament but ' this year does not look to have "the all-round ability of ; either Wellington or the Hutt. Of the other teams in the Rothmans Trophy, Waikato looks the strongest. Much of I Waikato’s hopes will rest on |the form of its top pitcher, ! Kevin Herlihy, and his well performed Nev/ Zealand 'team-mate. Carl Mossman. I Herlihy is almost an institution in New Zealand softball but in spite of his ad'vancing years he is still New Zealand’s leading pitcher. Competition, in the other two divisions may not produce softball of such a high standard. But a big incentive for the Bl and B2 teams is the “two-up, two-down ’ promotion-relegation system. I Well below full strength last vear, Canterbury lost its place' in the premier division but this year’s side is full of talent and it seems almost assured of regaining a place lin the Rothmans Trophy.