Softball: Siblings coming out to bat

By CHRIS RATTUE

Auckland softball is hoping they can shout "Hale the conquerors" after the men's and women's provincial softball championships over the next couple of weeks.

New Auckland captain Donny Hale will lead Auckland's charge for a rare title win when the men hit off at Mangere today.

And his 16-year-old sister Carina, a Kelston Girls High student, is in the Auckland women's side, who will be out to bowl perennial favourites Canterbury when their event starts in Christchurch next Wednesday.

Donny Hale, a member of the world series-winning Black Sox, was a budding pitcher when Auckland last won the title six years ago.

"Auckland hasn't won too many. We always seem to just miss out in the semifinals," said Hale.

"It's been very frustrating, especially seeing guys I'd come up with through the grades winning titles with Wellington and Hutt Valley."

Auckland will be missing the retired Dean Rice while fellow international Taifau Matai is unavailable, and Dion Nukunuku cannot play in the day matches until the weekend.

Wellington, with world series-winning pitcher Marty Grant returning to their lineup, will start as favourites although star Black Sox Jarrad Martin is unavailable.

Meanwhile, Carina Hale will be looking to repeat her feats from the national under-19 championships - where she hit a grand slam home run to lead Auckland to a win over Canterbury in the final - when the young Auckland look to bring the title north next week.