Hockey’s gain may be softball’s loss

Press, 17 December 1985, Page 44

Hockey’s gain may be softball’s loss

By

KEVIN PAGE

Hockey’s gain may turn out to be softball’s loss. The Canterbury Softball Assocition uses Porritt Park to stage tournaments and various inter-club contests. Should an artificial surface be laid there it will be rendered useless for softball. The association has a submission which is expected to go before the City Council in either February or March next year when the development of Hansens Park as a permanent base for softball will be sought. It could turn into a race against time as the association is to host the 1987 Rothmans women’s national tournament in Christchurch.

It said in its submission to the council that “should an artifical hockey surface proceed at Poritt Park at any stage no suitable venue exists for softball tournaments or fixtures in Christchurch.” The softball association needs an enclosed venue such as Porritt Park to recoup tournament costs through entrance fees and other charges. It has to “buy” a tournament from the national body, invariably costing upwards of $lO,OOO a time. The president of the Canterbury Softball Association, Mr Dale Eager, was philosophical about yesterday’s announcement.

“In terms of it as a long term venue for out national

tournaments it’s bad luck. Porritt Park is the best at the moment for tournaments. The gate facilities are good as is the surface.” he said. “It gives us everything we need in one confined surface,” he said. “1987 may sound a long way off but it’s not really. Coming up soon is the 50th anniversary year and we’re looking to make that a feature too. “By 1987 we want somewhere that is at least the equivalent of Porritt Park,” said Mr Eagar. “I can only offer my congratulations to the hockey people for all the effort that they have put in, but it really does highlight the plight that softball is in,” Mr Eagar said.