SIDELINES

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 19

SIDELINES

JOHN WOODCOCK, among England’s most respected cricket writers, has resigned as editor of world cricket’s "bible,” Wisden. In last year’s issue, Mr Woodcock, formerly of "The Times” and the "Sunday Times,” gave a clear indication of his feelings on the proliferation of one-day matches when he wrote: "unless we are very careful the one-day international will drive out the test match as inexorably as the grey squirrel drove out the red.”

IN ONE REGARD the big-hitting Rita Fatialofa might not have been the most appropriate winner of the “most valuable New Zealand player” award at the Mazda women’s world softball series. The award brought with it a Honda 80 cu cm motor scooter and though Fatialofa sat on the seat up on the dais during the closing ceremony it seems she does not have a driver’s licence. A better bet might have been another Wellington player, Gina Weber, who lists her occupation as “chauffeur.”

FOR RALPH RAYMOND, the coach of the United States women’s softball team, the world title his players won at Lion Red Ball Park, Mangere, this week was his third such success. Under Mr Raymond the United States, basically made up of the Hiho Brakettes club from Stratford, Connecticut, also won the world ■ championships in 1974 and 1978. After his 21-year association with the Brakettes Mr Raymond could be excused a desire to get the weight off his legs. While he stayed in the dugout as the over-all mastermind, his ... son, John, stood in the coach’s box and issued the signals.

BRUCE BELLIS will drive his Porsche 911 turbo as Christchurch’s sole representative in the classic car • race which supports the second round of the Nissan. Mobil 500 series at Pukekohe on Sunday. The 41-car field is expected to include two Ferrari Boxers which will provide the Porsche with its strongest opposition. At a previous meeting, Porsche and Ferrari claimed Z one victory apiece. With a current market value of .-<> $195,000, the drivers of these top cars will need to stay well clear of errant back markers.