Softball: Defending champions look good

Wellington are favourites to retain their title at the national interprovincial softball championships, which start in Christchurch today.

Of the 11 teams competing in the five-day event, Wellington look best-placed. They have the strongest pitching lineup, spearheaded by World Series winner Marty Grant, who lives in Nelson and commutes to play his softball.

He is backed up by another international, Vincent Swanwick, former Auckland lefthander David Gollan and Junior Black Sox pitcher Frank Pointon.

The four will give Wellington coach Wayne Saunders tremendous depth. His team also have plenty of batting talent in the form of internationals Bevan Martin, Gene Lutton, Stacy McLean and brothers Thomas and Fabian Makea.

Last year's beaten finalists, Auckland, will again provide a strong challenge. Their pitching will be spearheaded by Michael Gaiger, who has been in good form since returning from one of his regular off-season stints in Japan.

The Auckland batting lineup includes internationals Dion and Nathan Nukunuku, Patrick Shannon, Taifau Matai and Donny Hale, as well as Junior Black Sox member Carlos TeKawa.

The Hutt Valley team has been bolstered by the inclusion of US-based Black Sox pitcher Paul Algar. He will share pitching duties with Canadian national Brad Baker and former Aucklander Tane Richardson.

The batters to watch in the Hutt side will be the big-hitting Malcolm Namana and Black Sox catcher Lance Abbot.

North Harbour's challenge will be led by Black Sox pitcher Derrek Coleman and new Harbour recruit Clayton Willocks.

The host, Canterbury, will be represented by two sides. The Canterbury Red Sox will have the services of exciting young Australian all-rounder Matt White, who has been playing for Christchurch United this season. Canterbury Black is a combination of up-and-coming players and s veterans.

The tournament also features a Central Region side and Ikaroa Maori, a Maori selection from the lower North Island.

Players have plenty of incentive to perform well because the Black Sox team for February's series against world No 2, Japan, will be named early next month. The final will be on Monday afternoon.