Women’s softball gets a positive pitch

The Aorangi Softball Association’s pitch at hosting an annual women’s tournament in Timaru looks more likely than ever.

The club will host its second tournament at the weekend, following a successful inaugural event last year.

Fourteen teams will contest the Aorangi women’s social softball tournament at Morrison Park on Saturday and Sunday. Last year’s event attracted 10 teams.

Tournament organiser and head of female player development for Aorangi softball, Katrina Whiu, said teams from throughout the South Island will take part, including five from Dunedin.

Three teams will represent South Canterbury - Point Purple Panthers, the Diamond Divas, of Temuka, and Southern Sass. Orig- inally 15 teams entered, but one had to withdraw.

Whiu said while the tournament was a social one, many players take it ‘‘very seriously’’ and are out to win.

‘‘There will be a range of ages in the tournament.

‘‘There is a 12-year-old playing in our team right up through to players in their 60s. They’re old school players.’’

Whiu encouraged the public to watch and support their South Canterbury representatives.

‘‘We would love for people to come out and have a look.’’

There will also be a fundraising barbecue run by the association’s representative players.

‘‘For upcoming rep tournaments we’re also hoping to put in teams in the under-13 mixed, under-15 boys and under-17 boys sections.’’

This means the association is looking for coaches and managers for these teams, she said.

Whiu said the fact the second women’s tournament had attracted more entries is a positive sign for women’s softball in the region. ‘‘It’s really encouraging for us. ‘‘We had to keep the team limit to 16 and we had heaps of good feedback last year.’’

The first games begin at 9am on Saturday.