infonews.co.nz New Zealand Softball news

Support for International Softball

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:22:31 GMT

North Harbour softball is heading into a new era following Upper Harbour Local Board approval for a ground lease that is a step toward a new two-storey stadium at Rosedale Park, Albany.

The Board has also contributed $2500 toward signs at the Rosedale and Paul
Matthews Road entrances to the park as part of plans to ready the venue for
The International Softball Federation Men’s World Softball Championships to be held there in March 2013.

The proposed stadium will enable the event to be held on the North Shore and also meet the long term needs of the growing sport at Rosedale Park.

The new stadium, estimated to cost around $1.8 million, will provide toilets, storage space, multi purpose meeting rooms and seating for about 500 spectators, mostly undercover. There are plans for new scoreboards and lighting improvements as well as four new dug-outs.

Chair Brian Neeson says the local board is right behind the initiative and welcomes the international tournament on its home turf. “It’s an opportunity that must be seized with both hands and we expect to be further involved in the build-up to the event,” he says.

“The championships will bring people and funds into our community and at the same time will be a catalyst for the further development of Rosedale Park, which will be of lasting benefit to our community.”

Softball is a growing sport at Rosedale Park where the North Harbour Softball Association has been based since 1976, sharing the existing clubrooms with the Albany United Football Club.

The association comprises 11 clubs and about 1400 members plus an equal number of supporters, volunteers and officials who help run the organisation. Among them are father and son combination Brad and Pita Rona who were both selected for the Black Sox North American tour. Brad is vice-captain of the Black Sox and 16-year-old Pita has played right through all the junior grades at North Harbour.

Association Operations Manager Heather Tapsell says: “We’re very proud of Brad and Pita and we’re thrilled to be hosting the international championships, which we’re determined to make a success.”

Having secured the lease and resource consent for the proposed new stadium and associated works, the association will next seek building consents for the project.

(Source)

NZ team fund-raising to take part in Asia-Pacific little league tournament in Guam

Sun, 22 May 2011 20:50:15 GMT

SOFTBALL

New Zealand will take part in the Asia-Pacific little league baseball tournament in Dededo, Guam in July.

The team leaves on July for 3 for warm up games for the July 8-18 tournament. Other teams taking part are the Philippines, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Korea, Indonesia, The Republic of China, Singapore, Thailand, the Northern Marianas and Guam.

Last year New Zealand lost to Taiwan who won the tournament and then went on to win the world series too. Parents and management of the under-13 NZ team are seeking to raise $70,000 to help pay for the trip.

The winner of the Asia-Pacific event will receive an all expenses trip paid for to compete in the world little league series in August 2011 at Williamsport in Pennsylvania.

The New Zealand team is: Connor Gleeson, Hoskins Sotutu, Elliot Johnstone, Kyle Glogoski, Jake may, Javarn Woolston, Cory Hopa, Taishi Nakamura, Hideto Nagai, Sebastian rice-Phillips, Kade Scally, Correze Nepia, Zane Ross. Head coach Mike Rielly; assistant Blair Johnstone; manager Terry Dartnell.

(Source)

Bartercard sponsorship rescues White Sox World Champs buildup

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:08:03 GMT

SOFTBALL

New Zealand’s women’s softball team, the White Sox, will compete in the Gilleys Shield, the Australian interstate championship, over the next three months, thanks to a strategically timed sponsorship from Bartercard New Zealand.

Learning that the team’s campaign was threatened by lack of funds, Bartercard came to the rescue with a crucial sponsorship worth $6,000 “trade dollars” to make the trip possible.

This is not the first time the company has come to the aid of a sports team. In April it ensured the survival of the Christchurch Cougars NBL basketball club. It is also a major sponsor of the Burger King NZ Breakers in the Australian NBL competition and the Bartercard National Provincial Premiership in rugby league.

The White Sox’s objective is a medal finish at the 2010 World Championships to be held in Oklahoma City and the Australian tournament is an important part of the team’s development programme.

“The Gilleys Shield will provide an ideal opportunity to gauge the development work done so far and the requirements for the 12 month run up to the Worlds,” says Dane Dougan, General Manager of New Zealand Softball.

The Gilleys Shield is played over three weekends in November, December and January: November 13 -15 November, Blacktown Softball Centre, Sydney NSW December 11-13, Waverly Softball Centre, wheelers Hall, VIC January 6-9 2010, Redlands Softball Centre, Ormiston QLD.

(Source)

WBOP SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:13:48 GMT

SOFTBALL - BAY OF PLENTY

See what "Softball" can offer you!

Where: Carlton Street Reserve, 412 Ngatai Rd, Otumoetai, Tga
When: Every Saturday. Juniors in the mornings and Premiers in the afternoons.
Time: 8.30am to 6pm

Contact: Brenda Pedersen, Secretary for the WBOP Softball Association
Hm: (07) 576 4085 Mob: (027) 723 7476 wbopsecretary@clear.net.nz

We are on the web too.... www.geocities.com/wbopsoftball

- Senior Season runs from October to March

- Junior Season runs from February to March and then again October to December

(Source)

Six recalled to Black Sox for South American tour

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:13:46 GMT

SOFTBALL

Six players, including pitcher Karl Gollan after a four-year absence, have been recalled to the Black Sox softball team for next month's trip to Argentina.

After playing against four club sides, the Black Sox contest a tournament along with Venezuela, Argentina and the Parana All Stars.

Gollan, who last played for New Zealand at the 2004 world championship in Christchurch, has been based in the United States but returned to New Zealand to enhance his chances of making the national team.

"He deserves his selection in this team based on some really strong performances in the US which culminated last year's most valuable player award at the International Softball Congress tournament ," Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said.

Also back in the Black Sox are Stacy McLean, Steven Ratu, Fabian Makea and brothers Michael and Thomas Cameron.

Ratu and McLean have been regular members of the Black Sox, but were overlooked for the Oceania world championship qualifying tournament in April.

Makea last played for the Black Sox at the Commonwealth tournament in Melbourne in 2006, Michael Cameron was a member of the team in 2005 and was also in the New Zealand A team the following year while his older brother Thomas was last in the side in 2006 for the Pacific Series tournament in Japan.

The six changes have come mainly through a combination of work, family commitments and injury.

Kohlhase lost the experienced Travis Wilson through his fielding coaching commitments with the New Zealand cricket team, pitcher Heinie Shannon pending fatherhood, catcher Aaron Neemia (wedding), and infielder Nathan Nukunuku recovering from an injury.

Another player who will also come under close scrutiny during the South America tour is Wayne Laulu, who was the 2007-2008 most promising men's player. Laulu made his debut for the Black Sox at the world championship qualifying tournament where he was the top batter with an average of .600.

For Kohlhase the tour to South America, which also involves games against Venezuela, is crucial in the side's preparation for a fourth consecutive world championship crown next July.

Argentina have a number of players involved with American club sides and have on their roster two world class pitchers, while Venezuela are traditionally among the top six sides in the world.

"They play a different brand of softball, they are very free spirited," Kohlhase said.

"This is a good opportunity for us to play against some teams we will see in 2009 and also do some hard serious training in between those international games."

The team leave New Zealand on November 14 and return December 4.

Black Sox: Michael Cameron, Thomas Cameron, Roman Gabriel, Donny Hale, Patrick Shannon (Auckland), Daniel Milne, Stephen Ratu (Canterbury), Rhys Casley, Jeremy Manley (Hutt Valley), Marty Grant (Nelson), Brad Rona (North Harbour), Wayne Laulu, Stacy McLean, Fabian Makea, Thomas Makea (vice captain), Jarrad Martin (captain, Wellington), Karl Gollan (US-based).

(Source)

Junior Black Sox in playoff hunt after twin wins

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:33:58 GMT

SOFTBALL

New Zealand remain in contention for the playoffs at the world junior men's softball championship after beating both the United States 4-3 and the Czech Republic 11-2 today in Canada.

The wins were crucial, particularly over the US, having suffered losses to Canada and Japan earlier in the tournament at Whitehorse.

The telling run against the US was not scored until the eighth inning after the two sides were level at the end of the regulation seven innings.

It was also the first time in the game that the New Zealanders had led after conceding two runs in the opening inning.

The Junior Black Sox managed to pull one run back in their first turn at bat and then added a second in the second inning.

The US went ahead in the sixth inning, but a home run to New Zealand captain Jamie Love kept alive his side's hopes.

It was the team's youngest member Rakawhati Repia whose hit was enough for Campbell Makea to get home from third base in the matchwinning play.

New Zealand were always in control against the Czech Republic, with just five innings needed to seal the victory.

The Junior Black Sox have a crucial day tomorrow with games against Mexico, who have lost just once and are third in the standings, the unbeaten Australia.

(Source)

NZ Open junior world champs with 20-2 win

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:09:13 GMT

SOFTBALL

The Junior Black Sox team opened their world under-19 softball championship campaign with a comfortable 20-2 win over Denmark today (NZ time) in Whitehorse, Canada.

It took New Zealand just four innings to wrap up the opener after they scored six runs in the first inning.

They added a seventh run in the second inning and then showed their class in the third which saw 11 runs scored. A further two runs were added to the tally in the fourth inning.

Both of Denmark's runs were scored in the fourth inning.

The New Zealanders next game is tomorrow against Venezuela, who beat South Africa 11-1 in their opening game.

(Source)

NZ women's development team beat Canterbury 7-0

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:47:25 GMT

SOFTBALL

The New Zealand women's development team have beaten Canterbury 7-0 in the Southern Cross women's softball tournament today.

Ashley Johnston and Poi Clark scored two runs each while Lara Andrews, Brooke Cutting and Sanita To'o also got on the scoresheet.

The New Zealand team suffered their first loss at the tournament yesterday, going down to the Australian National League champions Queensland Heat 0-2.

Earlier in the day the New Zealand team easily accounted for Port Moresby, winning that game 6-0.

They opened their campaign with an 11-3 win over Queensland Maroon on Thursday.

(Source)

Black Sox dominate Australia 5-0

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:31:33 GMT

SOFTBALL - AUCKLAND

The New Zealand men's softball team beat Australia 5-0 today to win the final of the Oceania world championship qualifying tournament in Auckland.

New Zealand had to wait until the seventh inning to open their account but a rush of runs left the Australians stranded with no answers.

Australian pitcher Adam Folkard tied the Black Sox down for five innings but replacement Andrew Kirkpatrick faced only eight batters before giving up the five runs in the seventh inning.

Roman Gabriel, running for Travis Wilson, was first to cross home plate and was then followed quickly by Gareth Cook, who was running for captain Jarrad Martin.

A Danny Hale home run which also scored Rhys Casley and Nathan Nukunuku slammed hom New Zealand's superiority.

"Australia are a very good side and we had to play outstandingly well to come out on top," New Zealand coach Eddie Kohlhase said.

" Although there were not too many opportunities in the final, our guys were just too good to let another chance go by."

Defensively the Black Sox were just as outstanding with Jeremy Manley playing one of his best games in the black shirt.

The Hutt Valley pitcher faced 23 batters and gave up only two hits while taking 11 strikeouts.

Manley was also well supported by his fielders with only two Australian players managing to get past first base safely.

For the Black Sox today's win helped make amends after a disappointing performance in the Pacific Series in Canberra in December when they lost twice to Australia, including the final.

The Black Sox dominated the qualifying series, scoring 66 runs and conceding only two in the seven games they had at the tournament.

Their biggest wins of the weekend were 15-1 and 15-0 against Papua New Guinea and Guam respectively on Friday.

Despite losing the final Australia also qualified as the second Oceania team for next year's world championships in Saskatoon, Canada.

Result of today's Oceania world championship qualifying series final: New Zealand 5 Australia 0.

(Source)

NZ maintain high standards

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:16:00 GMT

SOFTBALL - AUCKLAND CITY

New Zealand continue to set very high standards at the Oceania men's world championship softball qualifying tournament in Auckland.

The world champion Black Sox maintained their unbeaten record with more wins today, 19-0 over Papua New Guinea and 3-1 over Australia.

New Zealand and Australia are to meet in the final tomorrow, with both teams already guaranteed a berth at next year's world championship in Canada by virtue of finishing in the top two in Auckland.

Travis Wilson led the way for the Black Sox against Australia, hitting his fourth home run of the tournament and his third in two outings against the trans-Tasman rivals.

Wilson's hit opened the scoring in the second inning before Rhys Casley doubled the team's lead in the third when he also homered.

New Zealand's other run was scored by Nathan Nukunuku, also in the third inning.

Australia opened their account in the third with Michael Tanner crossing home plate for his side's only run.

Australia, who went down the New Zealand 0-6 earlier in the tournament, applied pressure on pitcher Michael Gaiger, which saw Eddie Kohlhase go to his bench and replace him with Jeremy Manley in the fourth inning.

Earlier, rookie Wayne Laulu and captain Jarrad Martin both collected four hits from their five turns at bat against papua New Guinea.

Gareth Cook also got in on the action, making four safe hits from as many turns at bat.

In another game, Papua New Guinea recorded their first win of the tournament when they beat Guam 8-1.

Results:-

New Zealand 19 Papua New Guinea 0, New Zealand 3 Australia 1, Papua New Guinea 8 Guam 1.

(Source)

Two big wins for Black Sox

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:41:36 GMT

SOFTBALL - AUCKLAND

Concentrating on the basics is paying off for New Zealand at the Oceania men's softball world championship qualifying tournament in Auckland.

They beat Papua New Guinea 15-1 in five innings before overwhelming Guam 15-0 also in five innings today.

The Black Sox began the tournament yesterday with a 6-0 win over Australia.

"What we are striving for is perfection and we are working toward that," assistant coach Dave Workman said.

"These games are good opportunities for the guys to concentrate on playing a nice solid game."

The match against Papua New Guinea marked the return to the international game for Marty Grant, who originally retired from the sport in 2006.

A veteran of three world championships, Grant made eight strikeouts and gave up three hits, combining well with catcher Aaron Neemia, making his first appearance for the Black Sox since 2002.

"It was an emotional time for Marty to put the black shirt back on," Workman said.

"He played well. That was a new combination and they worked well together."

In other matches today, Australia beat Papua New Guinea 8-0 and Guam 16-0.

The top two sides from this tournament, which ends on Sunday, qualify for next year's world championship in Saskatoon, Canada.

Results:-

New Zealand 15 Papua New Guinea 1, New Zealand 15 Guam 0, Australia 8 Papua New Guinea 0, Australia 15 Guam 0.

(Source)

National secondary schools softball champs final results

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:28:09 GMT

SOFTBALL - CHRISTCHURCH

Results from the final day of the national secondary schools softball championships in Christchurch yesterday.

Boys: Taita College 10 Hastings Boys 5, Maseey High 10 Nelson College 3, Marlborough Boys 7 Waitaki Boys 3, Shirley Boys 10 Kelston Boys 4.

Final: Hastings Boys 3 Massey High 2.

Girls: Penrose High 9 Wellington East 12, Naenae College 15 Papakura High 12, Tawa College 11 Aranui High 10, Dunstan High 12 Auckland Girls' Grammar 3.

Final: Wellington East Girls' College 16 Naenae 10.

(Source)