Softball: Vikings back at full strength

Defending champions Central Vikings are back as strong as ever for the Provincial Cup women's softball tournament being held in Timaru from tomorrow until Monday.

Once again they have picked up White Sox pitcher Sheree Cartwright, and this season have the added bonus of Canterbury catcher Te Awhina Hewer.

But they will not just be relying on pick-up players as they fight to defend the title.

Hawkes Bay pitcher Michal Tangaroa will provide a powerful force on the mound combined with Cartwright.

The recent National League competition has given many players on the Central Vikings team a chance to experience softball on the national stage.

Last season, Wellington were the form side of the competition, with their only loss of the tournament coming in the final against Central Vikings.

The side from the capital will be strong once again, with National League pitchers Lisa Such and Naomi Ioasa on the mound.

The Provincial Cup format - in its second season - is designed to promote and develop softball in the smaller associations, while also giving young players from the bigger associations the chance to shine on a national stage.

Under the tournament rules the bigger provinces, Auckland and Wellington, are restricted to selecting largely under-23 teams.

Smaller associations select their sides with no restrictions.

One team looking to benefit from the tournament format are host side South Canterbury-North Otago, who have entered the tournament for the first time.

- NZPA