Softball: Aussies coming next month

By JULIE ASH

The Olympic bronze medal-winning Australian women's team will tour here next month as a result of them calling off a planned trip to the United States.

The Australians were due to fly to the United States for a 21-day tour of universities. However, that has been cancelled because of the terrorist attacks.

The new arrangements follow Australian coach, former Aucklander Simon Roskvist, contacting New Zealand officials to see if an alternative tour could be arranged.

The Australians will compete in two club tournaments and then play a four-test series against the White Sox in Lower Hutt and Wellington on November 26 and 27.

Softball New Zealand chief executive Hadyn Smith said it was an unexpected bonus for the White Sox, who finished fifth equal at the last Olympics.

"We agree the events that have caused this to happen are very unfortunate, but we are pleased to be able to provide a back-up for the Australians and a great opportunity for our own team," he said.

Meanwhile, SNZ is hoping Christchurch will host the men's World Series in 2004.

Canada and the Czech Republic have also applied to host the event.

The International Softball Federation Congress will meet in Florida on November 19 to decide which venue will be successful.

Smith said it was the fifth time New Zealand had applied to host the championships.

"On all occasions we have had the best bid, but it is a hard job to convince the Northern Hemisphere countries to come to the Southern Hemisphere.

"They have to come out of their season, but that is what we have to do all the time."

New Zealand last held the World Series in Hutt Valley in 1976 when they were the joint winners.

The Black Sox subsequently won the series in 1984, 1996 and last year, and in every single series since 1984, they have finished either first or second.

The Black Sox are preparing for a four-test series against Australia in Hutt Valley over the weekend of October 27 and 28.

Following that, they have a five-test series against Japan, whom they beat in the final of the World Series last year. The tests will be held at North Harbour, Auckland, Hutt Valley and, for the first time, Nelson's Trafalgar Park.