Softballers widely sought

Press, 27 December 1985, Page 3

Softballers widely sought

PA Auckland The late inclusion of Debbie Leonidas (Broadway, Wellington) in the national women’s softball squad has given an added edge to the New Zealand championships which begin at Prince Edward Park, Papakura, tomorrow.

Her inclusion emphasises the wide net that the national selector-coach, Ed Dolejs, is casting for the best possible team to defend New Zealand’s world title at the Mazda sixth world championships next month. The fact that Leonidis, aged 31, is still considered worthy of a trial — and Dolejs had to persuade her to be available for selection — points to a need for good

utility fielders who can also bat.

While automatic selections are not on the cards, Leonidas’ squad place will put pressure on other utilities in the squad. The increased competition is sure to make Auckland’s chances of retaining the Rothmans Cup harder. Wellington, Canterbury and Hutt Valley are intent on toppling the champions, and the first two provinces have New Zealand pitchers in Gina Weber and Cheryl Kemp to match Auckland’s Debbie Mygind.

Hawke’s Bay, with another New Zealand pitcher, Lovey Waitoa, in the lineup, could also be a threat

In the Division B championship, much interest will centre on the performance of North Shore, who are bidding to regain a place in Division A in 1986. So far, North Shore have shown they are not out of their depth in the top division.

Play begins at 10 a.m. tomorrow with Combined Services playing Wellington in Division A. Division B matches at the same time are North Shore v. Thames Valley, Counties v. Bay of Plenty and Horowhenua v. Waimarino.

The second day’s play begins at 10.30 a.m. and for the following days, play starts at 10 a.m.