Softball: Black Sox back in business

The Black Sox head back to the diamond today for the first time since their world championship win a year ago.

The New Zealand side go head to head with Australia, Japan, Samoa and an All Stars team in the Pacific Cup series in Rotorua.

The series is the Black Sox first since last February when they became the first team to win three consecutive world titles.

It is also their first outing under new coach Eddie Kohlhase, who replaced Don Tricker last year.

"It is an exciting time for myself," said Kohlhase, who was Tricker's assistant for six years.

"Not only have I introduced a whole lot of new players, we have a whole new management side there."

The 20-strong Black Sox squad include 13 players from last year's side. New to the team are Wellington outfielder Damian McCulloch, Auckland catcher Lyndon Andrew, young Auckland utility player Jonathan Munden and Hutt Valley pitcher Chris Eden-Huria.

Former internationals Fabien Makea and Stephen Ratu from Wellington and Hutt Valley's Rhys Casley were recalled.

Following the retirement of Mark Sorenson and injury to Bevan Martin, catching is one area the Black Sox will be keen to develop.

"We are mindful that catching is a key position in the defensive make-up of the side and we have to build from the big hole that Mark Sorenson left and the injury to Bevan Martin has caused," Kohlhase said.

"But in saying that, we have Patrick Shannon, who is the incumbent catcher."

However, Shannon has just recovered from a wrist injury, and the catching responsibility could go to newcomer Andrew.

Australia, Japan, Samoa and the All Stars should all provide the Black Sox with some decent competition.

Australia finished third in the last world championships while Samoa and Japan finished fifth equal.

The All Stars team were put together at the last minute to replace Argentina and include some "fringe" Black Sox players.

"I think it is a fantastic opportunity to play good international competition," Kohlhase said.

Teams play a double round-robin competition, then the top three will play off in a final series on Sunday.

Today's draw

11am: New Zealand v Samoa
11am: Australia v All Stars
1.30pm: Japan v Samoa
2.30pm: New Zealand v All Stars
5pm: All Stars v Japan
5pm: Australia v Samoa
7pm: New Zealand v Japan