No shortage of incentives for women softballers

Press, 20 December 1985, Page 22

No shortage of incentives for women softballers

By

DANAE GOOSMAN

The Rothmans national women’s inter-provincial softball championship, which starts at Prince Edward Park in Counties on December 28, is likely to be one of the most keenly fought competitions for many years. As well as trying to win the coveted title for their respective provinces, the players will have an extra incentive to perform well. At the end of the tournament, the team to represent New Zealand in defence of its world series title, won in Taiwan in 1982, will be named.

While a squad of 27 has been training for some time, the possibility of others still being included in the side has not been discounted. Those named in the squad obviously have the inside running, but any player in fine touch with the bat, in the field and on base will be in with a chance.

One thing is for sure: the pressure on top players to perform in order to gain selection will be enormous. Providing the players cope with this pressure, coaches of the top* provincial sides can only benefit, and their team over-all statistics are likely to be higher in all

departments than in previous years. If omens are significant, then this season’s Radio Avon Canterbury side has everything going for it. In 1982 at Invercargill, Canterbury won the title, and it was just before the last world series. And recently it won the quadrangular tournament in Blenheim. Every team that has won this tournament has, in the same year,

reached the final of the inter-provincial championships. Even if omens are disre ? garded, Canterbury has every chance of taking the title. The side is extremely well balanced in youth and experience; its batting lineup has the potential to match any of the top contenders; it has more speed than in previous years and, on paper, its field is the most defensive in the coun-

try. Teams that could prove stumbling blocks for Canterbury include the title-holder, Auckland, Wellington, * Hutt Valley and Hawke’s Bay. All are spearheaded by top-line pitchers and several New Zealand squad members. Of those four sides, Auckland and Wellington will be the most difficult to beat. Auckland has back in its ranks the formidable pitcher, Debbie Mygind, after two years of softball in the United Statess, while Wellington has the daunting figure of Gina Weber on the mound. Wellington has in its ranks 10 present or past New Zealand players and a powerful batting line-up. Manawatu, Southland and Combined Services complete the teams in A grade. While these three sides are. excellent ball teams they are not in the same league as the others, although Southland often causes headaches for Canterbury. Canterbury’s first task will be to make the cut-off into the top four at the end of the round robin. Then, under the double elimination system, its bid begins in earnest. The side’s success or failure rests on. two crucial issues. First, the combined pitching talents of Chris John and its player-coach, Cheryl Kemp. John has been firing extremely well this

season and it is hoped that she will be able to carry a greater work load than in previous seasons. Kemp’s experience and determination is always an asset, but again she must cope with the pressure of coaching along with her own performance as it relates to selection of the New Zealand side.

The second issue, but of equal importance, is the team’s ability to move the ball effectively from the batter’s box. Last season’s batting statistics at Dunedin were depressing. However, so far this season, players have been hitting with discipline and power. At the end of the six-day tournament, the players will face a day of rigorous trials, with the New Zealand side being named soon afterwards.

Only 17 will be named in the national side for the Mazda world series, which starts in Auckland on January 18. The Canterbury team is: Natalie Hazelwood (captain), Chris John, Penny Salton, Sharron Constable, Linda Manning, Janene Gould, Anita Perreau, Trina Whittaker, Linda Burrows, Jane Earnshaw, Robyn Storer, Debbie Chase, Nicky Hudson and Cheryl Kemp. Hazelwood, Manning,, Earnshaw, Storer and Kemp are members of the world series squad.