A tough four days are ahead of the country’s leading softball players when the national fastpitch championships begin at North Shore’s Rosedale Park today.
The leading contenders in the men’s competition are Auckland, defending title holders Wellington, Canterbury, Hutt Valley and hosts North Harbour.
In the women’s section, four-time title winners Hutt Valley and last year’s beaten finalists Auckland are expected to contest the final on Sunday.
“I think the [Auckland] Angels this year have a good mix of experience and developing players,” Auckland coach Venita Hokai said.
“We won’t be getting too far ahead of ourselves knowing we have strength in the pitching department we need to get through one game at a time.”
That side’s pitching is spearheaded by current White Sox hurlers Megan Farrell and Jennifer Feret. It also signals a return to the mound of former international Michelle Kingi.
“When in form [Kingi] can be devastating,” Hokai said.
However, Hutt Valley also have their fire power on the mound with Sheree Cartwright and the promising Rita Hokianga and Tania Puketapu.
“If these three players fire and play to their potential then we will be difficult to beat,” Hutt Valley coach Anaru Pewhirangi said.
There will also be a lot of interest in the father and son combination of Brad and Pita Rona, who will be playing for North Harbour.
“It’s going to be interesting. Good interesting,” North Harbour coach Danny Knight said.
“Brad’s softball CV is very impressive and his experience is huge for us. Pita’s brings a level of determination and skill to the game that belies his years.
“They are both really professional in their attitude to delivering quality softball.”
Also competing in the four-day tournament are Southern Pride and Hawke’s Bay in the men’s competition. Both of those sides have a number of promising players in their lineups and could surprise their more seasoned campaigners during the tournament.
Canterbury, Southern Pride and Wellington comprise the other teams in the women’s competition.