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New Zealand has been awarded a cautious pass mark from the international men’s softball tournament which ended in Canberra at the weekend.
The Black Sox were beaten 5-1 by Australia Gold in the final, in a re-match of the 2009 world championship final.
World champions Australia again got the jump on New Zealand, scoring three runs in the second inning and then added another two in the sixth.
New Zealand’s sole run came from Brad Rona in the seventh.
However, Black Sox manager Doug Golightly said there were still positives to be taken from the tournament, especially as the side had eight newcomers to international softball.
“They competed really well – they are there or thereabouts,” Golightly said.
The Black Sox performance was not helped with captain Rhys Casley sidelined through a strained side muscle after the second day of the tournament.
“He tried to play in the final but just couldn’t. He was in a lot of pain,” Golightly said. “It was a gutsy effort that he even tried.”
Among the players who could be pleased with their efforts were Wellington’s rookie pitcher Shaun Jamieson, who pitched the final and gave up just five hits in that game.
Ben Enoka, who made his international debut at the 2009 world championship and veteran catcher Patrick Shannon also impressed.
Enoka was the tournament’s top batter while Shannon was the most valuable player.