Softballers will play for provincial pride

Provincial pride is on the line this weekend for Marlborough and Nelson senior softball players when the inter-city competition hits off in both provinces.

Heading the Marlborough men's challenge are Wairau Black, Wairau White and Saints.

Wairau Black are without catcher Johnny Joseph for their double-header at the Saxton Fields in Nelson, but Joseph said he expected his team to win both matches against United Titans and United Versatile Pirates, two of Nelson's weaker sides.

Brayden O'Donnell will step in for Joseph, with the pitching duties led by theexperienced Marshall Rawiri with back-up from two promising teenagers Hayden Kim and Matt Todd.

Wairau White have a tougher hurdle in Nelson against two strong sides, Waimea Eagles and Stoke Eagles, the latter having Black Sox pitcher Marty Grant on their roster.

Wairau White spokesman Colin Hayes said he would be happy to come away with at least one win, coming off an unbeaten season in Blenheim so far.

Kurt Schollum has a big job, the 14 year old having the pitching duties. Batting is the key to Wairau's success with Hayes, Ryan Schollum, Marty Holdaway and Steve King heading the line-up.

Saints, the other unbeaten men's team in the Marlborough competition, should be too strong for Renwick in a local derby at Woodbourne, having comfortably disposed of them earlier this season.

Ken Stevens' pitching and batting played a key role in that win and Kyle Marfell has been in great touch with the bat.

Beaten finalists in the inter-city competition last year, Saints play United R and B from Nelson in the second match of their double-header at Woodbourne.

In the women's competition Saints, on the back of an unbeaten three game season so far, take on Re-United and United R and B. The experienced Denise Keno returns to the Saints lineup, adding to a strong batting side.

Renwick play United R and B in the other women's clash. Games start at 12 noon, the last matches hitting off at 4pm.

Matches have been moved to Woodbourne because of the A and P Show taking place at A and P Park.

There is no junior softball tomorrow.