Te Aroha takes national

NICHOLAS BOYACK/Hutt News

ON TARGET: Cheree Cartwright was the difference for Te Aroha in beating Miramar on Saturday, to claim the national women's club title. The White Sox hurler pitched strongly before recording the hit that brought home Melisa Tupuivao for a 1-0 victory. Cartwright was named pitcher of the tournament and Te Aroha catcher Cindy Potae most valuable player.

Relevant offers

Hutt News

Owners told to keep dogs away from signposted areas of Hutt River Bus access debate likely to spark lively Thursday meeting Hutt woman Shazly Rasheed fashions a brilliant career Hutt Valentine's wooing included treasure hunt Lodge owner offers Baring Head access deal City has 'failed its heritage responsibilities' Rider's mother says motorists' toots, speed spook horses Hutt dancers shine at Australian dancing showcase Local is swept up in debate over stream bank planting Ranger keen to get to bottom of seat theft

Te Aroha women's softball coach Mike Walsh knows how to win titles and on Saturday he added another to his name.

Te Aroha took out the national club title with a 1-0 win over Miramar, having gone through the tournament unbeaten.

Although the team is stacked with current and former White Sox players, Walsh says the win was a team effort.

Someone played well whenever the team needed it and he says that shows the players' commitment.

On the last day, pitcher Cheree Cartwright showed her class by pitching two no-hitters.

It was also a hit from Cartwright that scored veteran Melisa Tupuivao in the final.

Walsh has coached Te Aroha for seven years and has now won five national titles.

Te Aroha are a mix of youngsters and veterans, and he believes the team has a good future.

He has encouraged a group of 13- and 14-year-olds to train with the top side and he says that has worked well.

"I am really, really proud of them because they have not missed a training session all season."

One player he spared a thought for was Kuraroa Ratu-James, who was involved in a nasty accident on the last day of the regular season.

She had to be taken to hospital by ambulance and was told she could not play in the nationals.

Walsh says despite her injuries, she turned up to support the team and showed plenty of spirit.

He has not yet thought about next season and whether he will continue.

Veterans Cindy Potae, Zavana Aranga and Tupuivao have also not given an indication to their future.

- Hutt News