Softball: Tricker optimistic for recuperating Black Sox pair

By JULIE ASH

Black Sox coach Don Tricker is confident Michael Gaiger and Bevan Martin will be fit for next month's world championships in Christchurch.

Both Gaiger and Martin have missed most of the national provincial league. Hutt Valley pitcher Gaiger has not played a match since straining his groin in the first weekend of the league at the end of last month. Wellington catcher Martin sprained his ankle a week before the start of the competition.

It was initially thought Martin might have torn a tendon in his foot, which would have required surgery. But Tricker said he was waiting on the results of a scan, which Martin was having last night.

"We are hopeful of Bevan being given the green light to start training and playing again in time for the national provincial development tournament which starts on December 27.

"Bevan is going to be helping out coaching the Central Vikings and if he is fit enough he will do a little more than coaching and get out there and start playing.

"Michael's rehab has concluded now and he is back into full training. So we have plenty of time to get Michael ready for the first pitch."

Although injuries were always a risk, Tricker said it was essential the Black Sox played in the national league.

"We need to be ensuring the pitchers are sharp and they are used to pitching off a plate, which is what is being used in the world series, rather than a pitching mat."

In the next month the Black Sox will train in their own region before regrouping for a week-long camp on January 11.

"I am feeling pretty good. I think we are on track to do everything that we wanted to do and that is arrive in Christchurch with no doubts or no 'if only' type questions.

"That is all we are trying to do."