Levin United Softball caps off a fine season in Manawatū league

Levin United Softball team

A Levin men's softball team has played with maturity to reach the finals of a Manawatū softball competition this year.

Levin United Softball has at least 90 per cent of players aged more than 50 playing in a league with teams half their age.

But the team showed there was no substitute for experience in making the reserve grade finals of the league and ended the season in third place, a marked improvement on their ninth placing last season.

Team spokesperson Bronwyn Holman said it was only their second season for the green and whites in the Manawatū Softball Association competition.

"What drives these men is their love of the sport, the team culture, camaraderie and their 'never say die' attitude," she said.

Levin United finished the season on a high after attending the National United Association Softball Tournament in Stoke, Nelson, last weekend.

They finished the tournament unbeaten in five games to win the Men's B grade competition, and also won prizes for the Best Dressed Team and Best Dressed Rookies.

Tukunui Nicholson won the award for Tournament Personality.

The team was coached by Adam Hori Te Pa this season and trained twice a week. Their commitment and success was spreading, with many younger players, including sons, wanting to enrol for next year, she said.

The team thanked Fatboyz Levin for sponsorship, and the support from "Uncle Mike" MacGregor, Peter Williams and Linda Hirini.