Old local are rekindled and past champions look to repeat their success
By Jamie Melbourne-Hayward
Old local are rekindled and past champions look to repeat their success at the softball diamond. In the softball stronghold of Hutt Valley, the Celtic Lions Club is looking to kick off their third season after changing over from the Wellington Association tournament. Club president Richael Murrow says the women?s social team moved leagues because of a ?small hiatus one year of injuries and pregnancies?. ?Then we realised all our players lived in the Hutt Valley. They come from all over the Hutt, some from Petone and Maungaraki,? she says. The club?s sole team plays in the Major B social grade and include players from with a diverse range of ages, from teenagers to mid-40s. ?We find the mix is really good. ?Our motto is that we can teach anyone how to play ? we started out with the desire of being a club that lets anyone play,? says Mrs Murrow. For more information on Hutt Valley Softball visit www.hvsa.org.nz Porirua is also keen on softball. Porirua City United won last year?s Premier One men?s league and is looking to repeat that success this season, says club captain Jan Ryan. ?We have a really excellent men?s team and are very lucky to have such talented coaching,? says Mrs Ryan. Further south, the Johnsonville and Newland clubs share a healthy neighbourly competition that has made the sport a summer mainstay. The premier season kicks off on October 17 and Newlands Club captain Ashley Pointon says the club?s spirit won?t be dampened by losing last year?s European Championship top pitcher.
