{"id":8160,"date":"2011-02-16T16:35:39","date_gmt":"2011-02-17T00:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fastpitchwest.com\/?p=8160"},"modified":"2011-02-17T17:10:27","modified_gmt":"2011-02-18T01:10:27","slug":"softballers-glove-up-for-fastpitch-champs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fastpitchwest.com\/?p=8160","title":{"rendered":"Softballers glove up for fastpitch champs"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/p>\n

The leading contenders in the men’s competition are Auckland, defending title holders Wellington, Canterbury, Hutt Valley and hosts North Harbour.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“I think the [Auckland] Angels this year have a good mix of experience and developing players,” Auckland coach Venita Hokai said.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“When in form [Kingi] can be devastating,” Hokai said.<\/p>\n

However, Hutt Valley also have their fire power on the mound with Sheree Cartwright and the promising Rita Hokianga and Tania Puketapu.<\/p>\n

“If these three players fire and play to their potential then we will be difficult to beat,” Hutt Valley coach Anaru Pewhirangi said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“It’s going to be interesting. Good interesting,” North Harbour coach Danny Knight said.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“They are both really professional in their attitude to delivering quality softball.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Canterbury, Southern Pride and Wellington comprise the other teams in the women’s competition.<\/p>\n