Softball: Oh no, it's those Australians again

The New Zealand women's team face an uphill battle to make next year's Olympic Games after Australia staked an impressive claim to the sole Asia-Oceania qualifying berth in Sydney yesterday.

The reigning Olympic bronze medallists brushed aside the White Sox 8-0 in the first of two meetings before both nations are expected to contest a best-of-three finals series this weekend.

The White Sox had no answer to the pace of pitcher Melanie Roche, who whistled the ball over home plate at more than 100km/h.

And New Zealand's fielding fell away badly after an 8-0 victory over Korea in their opening outing.

Australia wrapped up the match in the fifth inning, mirroring the White Sox' early disposal of the Koreans.

The Australian batters slipped easily into the groove at the expense of New Zealand pitcher Sheree Cartwright, who was eventually spelled in the fourth inning by Lisa Rhind when the damage was already done.

Cartwright walked Natalie Ward, the first batter she faced, and could never build momentum.

Her woes culminated when Ward walked home from third base after the umpires spotted an illegal pitch.

Cartwright was not helped by a fumbling New Zealand fielding performance, particularly in the fourth inning when a combination of sloppy ground fielding and dropped chances helped the Australians to add another four runs.

New Zealand's campaign started brightly against Korea as coach Mike Walsh successfully gambled on fielding his top line-up, including pitcher Michelle Kingi, who claimed five strikeouts.

New Zealand play Korea at 3pm today and Australia at 8.30pm.

- NZPA