Softball: Five top sides lined up for super season

By JULIE ASH

Softball New Zealand hope to confirm early next month that five international teams will visit here this season.

The world champion Black Sox men's side look forward to taking on Australia in a four-test series in October and then Canada and Japan in a tri-series in February.

The White Sox women's team are aiming for a tri-series with the Koreans and Italians, also in February.

Softball New Zealand chief executive Haydn Smith said all five teams were keen to tour here.

"I am pushing along to have them all confirmed by July 10."

He said Australia had indicated they would attend if New Zealand could help to fund part of the tour.

"We are talking about the ins and outs of who is going to pay at the moment, but I heard from their president they are very keen to come.

"Canada are in the same position as New Zealand in that they have a sports foundation and are waiting to hear if they can get any more funding.

"We have sent an invitation to Japan. If they say yes, then we will try to organise a tri-series with Canada.

"Korea have said they are coming to play the White Sox."

He said the only team Softball NZ were having difficulty with were the Italian women's squad.

"And I think that is mostly because I can't speak Italian."

Smith said that if all went well the coming season would be great for players and fans alike.

"It is very exciting from our perspective. We have television coverage behind us, which is something we haven't had in the past, and there is a lot of public expectation."

Smith said New Zealand had opted not to tour overseas this season because of players' work commitments.

"We realise that these players are amateur and all have jobs.

"We don't banish or rap them over the knuckles if they want to miss a series or a game because of work.

"We'd rather have them for part of the season than none at all, and it does give us the opportunity to blood new players."

The Black and White Sox have had senior players retire in recent years, so Smith said this year would provide them with the opportunity to rebuild before the women's world championships next year and the men's world championships in 2004.

New Zealand are applying to host the 2004 men's championships and should know early next month who they are up against.

New Zealand last held the men's championships in 1976 and the women's in 1986.

"We know that we are applying, but some of the other countries are keeping their applications under the carpet," Smith said.

He said the final decision on who will host the event will be made in November.