Softball: Olympic sacking bombshell for NZ softball skipper

The national women's softball captain, Leslie Moore, has been dropped from the team to compete at the Olympic Games in Sydney.

Moore's name was missing from a 15-strong squad named yesterday for the Olympics.

She was one of three players omitted from the team who contested the Millennium series in Christchurch last month. The others are fellow Hutt Valley representative Kylee Stevens and Canterbury's Rachel Newton.

"There are players we would have liked to have taken with us but we simply can't and I'm sure they'll be disappointed," New Zealand coach Mike Walsh said.

"In Leslie's case there were other players who performed better than her. The captaincy wasn't an issue."

The team are spearheaded by Auckland pitcher Gina Weber, a veteran of three World Series, and include no new caps, although Canterbury's Char Pouaka, Kim Dermott and Jaye Bailey have all been recalled to the side.

Walsh sprang one surprise in naming regular infielder Fiona Timu, of Auckland, as one of three pitchers.

Timu represented New Zealand as a pitcher at youth level, but since the 1990 World Series has specialised at first base.

Walsh said he expected to use Timu in both roles in Sydney in September.

The team will attend international competitions in Australia, Japan and Canada ahead of the Olympics.

New Zealand squad, pitchers: Gina Weber (Auckland), Ruta Lealamanua (Wellington), Fiona Timu (Auckland).

Catchers: Cindy Potea (Hutt Valley), Helen Townsend (Canterbury).

Infield: Jaye Bailey (Canterbury), Rhonda Hira (Canterbury), Kiri Shaw (Hutt Valley), Char Pouaka (Canterbury), Lisa Kersten (Canterbury).

Outfield: Jackie Smith (Auckland), Melisa Upu (Hutt Valley), Zavana Aranga (Hutt Valley), Kim Dermott (Canterbury), Melanie Hulme (Canterbury).

- NZPA