Same faces, different team, new drive

On the face of it the 2010 Southland men's softball squad looks very similar to that of the class of 2009.

But don't be mistaken, the faces may be identical but this is a very different team.

New uniforms have been introduced and a key new ingredient poured into the mix.

That ingredient being a stronger intent to succeed.

Southland men's player-coach Chris Telfer doesn't shy away from the fact that his team has lacked commitment and a drive to win in recent seasons.

He said their trips away had generally been eyed as a boozy jaunt rather than tournaments to win.

However, after watching the Stags turn themselves into Ranfurly Shield winners this year Telfer said Southland's leading softball players had decided enough is enough, they want to follow a similar path.

The softballers want some silverware of their own and are fine-tuning their games in a more professional manner to try to get the desired success.

"In the past we've pissed around a bit. We've just turned up and played," Telfer said yesterday.

"Now we're trying to be a bit more professional about it. We're just trying to learn a lot more," he said.

Southland will get to express their new-found attitude tomorrow when they take on the Otago men's team in two games at the Surrey Park diamond in Invercargill.

The two games tomorrow will be ideal preparation for the South Island Jefferies Cup tournament in Christchurch next month.

As well as good preparation tomorrow will also provide a payback opportunity for the Southlanders. The last time these teams met Southland were thumped 7-1 by Otago and it is a result the determined Southland side will be eager to turn around.

As well as the men's clash Southland and Otago will also meet in under-15 and under-17 boys fixtures.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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