Softball: Desperate pitch for world title

SYDNEY - New Zealand are desperate to reclaim the crown that has eluded them for 12 years at the junior men's world softball championships, which begin in Sydney tomorrow.

The Junior Black Sox take a strong squad of 17 into the 10-nation tournament and will start as one of the favourites to reach the final and ultimately emulate the world champion senior Black Sox.

After winning the title in 1985 and 1989, New Zealand finished runners-up to Canada in 1993 and lost 1-6 in the final to Australia four years ago.

Coach Dennis Dolejs, said his players wanted to match the performance of New Zealand at the senior World Series in South Africa last year and confirm the depth of talent in their country.

"We haven't won this for 12 years now so there's some desperation for us to get back on top," he said. "It's going to be tough. Our goal is to make the top four and take it from there."



The New Zealand team are led by Auckland outfielder Stephen Outwin, one of the minority returning from last year's side.

Pitchers Shaun Marino, of Hutt Valley, and Wellingtonian Frank Pointon will play a key role, with back-up from Wellington's Haizley Martin, younger brother of Black Sox captain Jarrad Martin.

The Junior Black Sox' opening game is against Israel tomorrow.

Junior Black Sox squad.-

Pitchers: Shaun Marino (Hutt Valley), Frank Pointon (Wellington).

Catchers: Grant Dean (Auckland), Aaron Neemia (Wellington).

Infielders: Feagaiga Feagaiga (Horowhenua), Haizley Martin (Wellington), Steve McFarlane (Canterbury), Kahtuia Mitchell (Hawkes Bay), Lawrence Naera (Auckland), Michael Nui (Auckland), Carlaus Te Kawa (Auckland), Chris Telfer (Southland).

Outfielders: Shaun Jamieson (Wellington), Glen Maroney (Canterbury), Steven Outwin (Auckland), Jackson Popata (Auckland), William Raston (Horowhenua).

- NZPA