Softball: Top two finish a priority for finals

Checking out Hutt Valley's new talent is a priority for Auckland heading into the final rounds of the national women's league.

Auckland, Hutt Valley, Wellington and the Central Vikings have already secured finals spots regardless of this weekend's results. However all teams will be pushing for a top two finish in the round robin competition which entitles them to take two lives into the finals.

Having missed out the top four last year, Auckland have shown they are a much better unit this time but their true mettle will be revealed when they line up against defending champions Hutt Valley twice in Lower Hutt.

Auckland coach Nardi Leonard said the key for her team was going to be hitting and "getting past whatever their pitching staff is doing".

Hutt Valley are still expected to be without star pitcher Jessica Hau, who is injured, and Leonard said they have a few unfamiliar players in their lineup.

"So it will be good to see them before the finals. I think we'll be testing each other out but not showing all of our cards."

Auckland also face Central Vikings twice in Lower Hutt over the weekend. In other matches Wellington face Hutt Valley and the Central Vikings twice.

In the men's competition, Wellington, North Harbour and Auckland have reached the finals.

The last spot could go to Hutt Valley, Southern Pride or Central Vikings. Hutt Valley are in fourth place but have a tough weekend ahead facing Auckland and Wellington twice in Lower Hutt.

If Southern Pride can pick up two wins over the Central Vikings in Hataitai and Hutt Valley lose, then the final spot would be theirs.

At the bottom of the table, Central Vikings have a theoretical chance of making the top four. But it will be a big ask as they have to beat Southern Pride twice and rely on other results.

The finals of both leagues are at Wellington's Hataitai Park next weekend.