Softball: Chance to check in on opposition, especially Australia

Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said next week's Commonwealth Championship will give his team a chance to check on the progress of their fast improving transtasman rivals Australia.

The Black Sox head to Melbourne tomorrow for the inaugural Commonwealth Championship tournament.

Joining them in the five-day tournament, which starts on Wednesday, are Australia, Samoa, and South Africa.

Although the next world series is not until 2009, Kohlhase said the tournament would allow his team to check in on their opposition, especially Australia who appeared to have progressed.

Australia finished third in the last world championships and have increased the depth and quality of their pitching since then.

"They are a very very good side and we are going to have to bring our A game to the park if we are going to beat these guys," Kohlhase said.

The Commonwealth tournament is the Black Sox second international series in the last two months.

Their convincing 4-0 win over Samoa in December was due to their batting prowess, but Kohlhase believes that defence will be the key in Melbourne.

"Our hitting is fairly well renowned worldwide and we have done a lot of work on strategies we want to introduce on defence," Kohlhase said.

"I think to win the tournament it is going to take a pretty good defensive effort."

Winning the tournament is the priority but he also hopes to introduce a few new players. The side includes two new caps, Hutt Valley pitcher Jeremy Manley and Wellington outfielder Todd Grego.

Kohlhase hopes to give everyone in the touring party game time during the round robin.

The Black Sox will play a warm-up game on Monday night against the Victorian Open Men's side.


Black Sox squad

Jarrad Martin, captain (North Harbour), Marty Grant (Wellington), Jeremy Manley (Hutt Valley), Patrick Shannon (Auckland), Bevan Martin (Taranaki), Stephen Ratu (Wellington), Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley), Travis Wilson (Auckland), Brad Rona (North Harbour), Nathan Nukunuku, vice-captain (Auckland), Roman Gabriel (Auckland), Gus Leger (Auckland), Fabian Makea (Wellington), Thomas Makea (Wellington), Todd Grego (Wellington), Stacy Mclean (Wellington), Daniel Milne (Canterbury).