Responsibility is something New Zealand softball international Donny Hale takes seriously. He also believes in leading by example and that is exactly what the player-coach of the Auckland men's team has been doing in recent weeks as he looks to lead his side to a fourth national title
in six years.
Last year, his first in the dual role, Hale's Auckland team won the national title beating Wellington 6-5 in a game that went to nine innings. Tomorrow at Wellington's Hataitai Park he has the chance to make it back-to-back titles.
Auckland has qualified top, with six wins from as many games in the league and as such go straight into the final. Their opponent will be the winner of tomorrow morning's game between Wellington and Canterbury.
For Hale, the New Zealand Community Trust National Softball League has gone to plan with his side scoring 31 runs and conceding 19.
"Our goal was to go through as the number one team, even though by doing that you don't get that extra game," he said.
That extra game can have its advantages and it was Auckland who last year had to play in the sudden-death semifinal before facing top qualifier Wellington in the final.
While he has a wealth of talented players to call on, those who especially hold the key for Auckland's success include the Cameron brothers Michael and Thomas. Michael is the league's leading batter with 10 hits from his 15 turns at bat while Thomas has faced 96 batters and given up just 24 hits.
Hale, the player, will also be a key to Auckland's hopes with the outfielder having eight hits from his 17 turns at bat.
Hale has been especially pleased with the young players he added to the side, including Ben Enoka, who is a member of the Junior Black Sox team for their world championship later this year, and Tim Tuakana-Kapi.
Hale will also be taking an interest in the semi between the Auckland and Canterbury women's teams as his fiancee Sina Hunkin a key player for Auckland.
