Ramblers defend top title
Mt Albert Ramblers Softball Club will be aiming to defend its title at Auckland United’s jubilee Vic Guth Memorial Tournament at Fowlds Park this weekend.
The Ramblers also have their sights set on the following two invitation series at Marist and North Harbour.
Last season’s side took out two series in a row but have struggled to stay in contention for the minor premiership award in the Auckland Fastpitch Championship where they sit in third place, behind United and Northcote with four games to go.
Ramblers player-coach Nathan Nukunuku is out to prove that his omission from the New Zealand team that will play in the March world series at North Harbour was a mistake.
He can expect great batting support from international batting star Donny Hale who has starred in Japan and the United States but has seen little local action.
Youngster Rhys Evans has been given every chance to shine this season and his efforts were capped by being named as the most valuable player in last week’s national under19 series where Auckland won, with North Harbour in second place.
However United,
as national champion for only the second time in the club’s 65 year history, are making a special effort to win their own series.
Eden Roskill are also keen to show that their recent winning ways can carry over into the Vic Guth tournaments.
Fifty seasons ago the United team members had to mow the park before the inaugural event, created to honour a noted player and coach who died in his late 40s. This time, the organisation is streamlined and the side has every chance to create its own history.