Softball: Visitors offer Black Sox test of build-up progress

By JULIE ASH

The world-champion Black Sox face their first real test in two years when they take on Japan in a five-test series starting in Nelson tomorrow night.

New Zealand beat Japan in the final of the 2000 World Series, but coach Don Tricker does not view this series as a replay.

"We both have very different teams," he said. "I don't see it as being a repeat at all."

Japan finished second in the Dean Schick Memorial tournament in Albany last weekend, but were beaten 7-1 by the New Zealand Maori team on Monday night.

"I spent a bit of time watching them at the Dean Schick tournament, and what I saw was typical of Japan," said Tricker.

"They have very good pitchers and are going to be very strong."

Japan had a number of players back from the World Series and, like New Zealand, would be using the tests as a build-up to the 2004 world championships.

New Zealand's last international series was against Australia in October.

New Zealand won 3-1. Australia's one win was their first against New Zealand in 13 years.

"What we have seen is quite encouraging and we seem to be travelling along quite well, but this is our first real test of progress," Tricker said.

Black Sox catcher Bevan Martin is in doubt for the series because of a hamstring injury.

Tricker said the injury was a serious blow to the side.

"Bevan would be a huge loss as he's one of the leaders in the team and he contributes just as much off the diamond as he does on it.

"On top of that he has a great deal of knowledge on the Japanese game as he's played there for a number of seasons."

If Martin cannot play, Aucklander Pat Shannon will take his place.

Wellington 18-year-old Aaron Neemia, a member of the Junior Black Sox team at last year's under-19 world series has been called into the squad as back-up.

The second test is in Lower Hutt on Friday night, the third and fourth are at Rosedale Park in Albany on Saturday and the final test is at Norana Park in South Auckland on Sunday.