Softball: World championship erupts as NZ beat Canada

9.30pm

The men's world softball championship erupted in Christchurch tonight as tempers flared in a drama-filled semifinal won 13-5 by New Zealand over Canada.

Only quick intervention by officials prevented a free-for-all when the Canadians responded to a rocket-pitch by Black Sox Jimmy Wana which caught Darren Box square on the helmet.

Box bounced off the ground, threw his helmet down and advanced towards Wana.

When officials and some players stopped him, his teammate Dean Holien tried to have a go at Wana, who kept his cool.

Some Black Sox players then moved towards the melee but were prevented from joining in.

The Canadians had beaten New Zealand 5-4 in pool play on Thursday but the Black Sox turned the tables in the playoff game today with a thrilling win.

The result saw New Zealand advance to tomorrow's final where they have a chance to secure their third successive world title.

It could be that they meet Canada again, if the Canadians won the first of two games tomorrow.




Tricker said he was pleased the Black Sox had maintained their aggressive batting style of the previous day when they thrashed the United States 9-0 in five innings before the mercy rule was applied.

"Canada are a quality team. They're a bit like us, they'll fight all the way.

"I was pleased with some of our clutch hitting. Each time the Canadians came back we responded."

Earlier in the day Samoa went down 2-3 to the United States and bowed out of the tournament.

Samoa's first appearance at world championship level earned them a ranked of equal fifth with Japan and coach Michael Forsyth said they would back for the next championship.

"Our target was to get in the top eight here and anything after that was a bonus. It was a matter of taking each game at a time after that and keeping our feet on the ground.

"I'm very proud of the boys."

Australia, who have got better with each match, guarranteed themselves at least a bronze medal with yet another upset result, a 5-4 win over the United States tonight.

They beat Japan 5-0 earlier in the day and will meet Canada tomorrow, with the winners qualifying for the final against New Zealand.

- NZPA

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