Albion women again?

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 33

Albion women again?

The 1982-83 softball season will undoubtedly be the

toughest and most interesting one Canterbury women have faced in years.

tion will focus on whether any team can knock Albion off its pedestal. The question on the national front will be whether the Canterbury senior representative side can successfully defend its title and Albion can again take the national inter-club title, presuming it qualifies. With only three weeks to go before the club season begins rumour and speculation still surround for which teams players will be turning out. The only team settled and into training is Albion, which will again be coached by the seasoned campaigner, Cheryl Kemp, the New Zealand pitcher. Only one change has been made in the side, that being the transfer of Nicky Hudson from Western Suburbs to add

greater depth to an already strong team. There can be no question that Albion will be the team to beat and the only side likely to apply pressure will be " Bumside. However, Albion could yet be the cause of its own downfall. Last year it had an unprecendented season in not losing a match and will run the risk of being over-confident in its approach to the local club competition.

Burnside will possibly have the young Chris John from Papanui, on the mound and if this is so that team will have a powerful combination. Her inclusion might just tip the scale in Burnside’s favour in its batting encounters with Albion. While Burnside has lost the services of the big-hitting Penney Dunckley, Susannah Carroll is back and she is more than capable with the bat.

Still without a coach, the youthful Papanui side will be

struggling to hold its own in this year’s competition. The talented Tani Kingi and Airini Caddick will not be taking the diamond and should John transfer the team will be left somewhat depleted of batters. United will be guided by a new coach, Don Parry, and while its lineup is expected to be similar to that of last season it is unlikely to pose a threat to many teams. Western Suburbs will again be coached by Neville Hobson and like United does not have a sufficiently strong combination to create any problems for the two top teams. The dark horse of the competition could prove to be Monowai as many changes have taken place. Marg Wong is coaching the side for the first time and is an experienced coach who quietly demands high standards from players. Monowai has lost the skilful Margaret Machirus and

Alison Mathias, but will be strengthened by the return of Anne Wansborough and the transfers of Shirley Rainsbury and Julie Loader. Over-all, the battles in the local competition will be for minor placings. Albion and Bumside will continue their struggle for dominance, with Monowai possibly becoming a thorn in the side of either team. However, it is the battles outside Christchurch that will generate most interest and parochial fervour among softballers as teams endeavour to bring back national honours to Canterbury.