Softball: Rain washes out day four of world champs

3.30pm

Heavy rain forced day four of the men's softball world championships to be abandoned in Christchurch today.

New Zealand was scheduled to meet the Netherlands in its fourth match at the tournament on Sunday afternoon.

Rain in the last 12 hours made the diamonds unplayable.

Heavy rain in the capital has forced the cancellation of the Wellington Cycle Classic final stage, a criterium around the streets of Petone.

Blenheim's Robin Reid won Sunday morning's sixth stage, an individual time trial, to finish second overall behind Canadian Eric Wohlberg, who finished second in the stage, good enough to claim the tour victory.

Softball organisers are now working on a revised schedule for the next two days.


Black Sox batting impressive

Another impressive batting display saw the Black Sox secure their third win of the world softball championships in Christchurch yesterday.

The mercy rule was employed after four and a half innings against Australia, the kiwis winning 9-2.

Coach Don Tricker says any sign of nerves in the batting department seems to have disappeared.

Tricker says everyone made a contribution against Australia, and there were no soft outs, which he says is pleasing.

He says they've not only been batting exceptionally well but have also responded to pressure in the field.

Tricker says Australia had base runners in every innings but New Zealand kept their composure and kept the score minimal.

The Black Sox are due to play their fourth match of the championships against the Netherlands.

Don Tricker says the Netherlands, who upset Samoa in their opening, will be a difficult assignment.

He says the Black Sox are on a tough side of the draw so every team they play will be competitive.

Tricker says they need to keep raising the bar and continue to build momentum

Meanwhile Samoa has scored a stunning upset with a 3-1 win over Canada.

South Africa pipped the Netherlands 4-3 and the United States hammered Hong Kong 7-nil.

- NZPA and Newstalk ZB

Tournament draw