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Welcome to the home of the
Marist St Michael Magic
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What a Season now the Dust has settled.
May 24, 2006
Well what a year it has been.
The Marist St Michael’s Magic Mens Fastpitch softball team had a year of great success, and many fond memories.
Started withy many months of planning which produced our team vision "10 or better" by Barry Purcell (Manager), Lee Clarke (Softball President) and Jason Gerbes (captain).
It was the catalyst to the magic posting some great numbers in their 61 Game 7 Tournament season.
The magic achieved a win percentage of .609, scored 330 runs from 1284 turns at bat, 59 of those runs by the sweetest of swings the "Home Run"
During their 311 innings of softball we stole 77 Bases, and where caught 21 times. We took that lonely walk back to the dug-out after being struck out 410 times.
Our Pitches preformed well by throwing a total of 4154 strikes, for a total of 444 strike-outs. The team allowed 188 runs this season, but will need to work on the 88 that where allowed through errors.
All of theses stat's helped the Magic to a bronze finish at the Braves Tournament in Wanganui, a Sliver finish at the Lion Red Classic in Hastings then a Champions title billing at the Rehe Joseph Memorial in Hamilton, and a international scalp of the Japan varsity touring team.
This set us up for the Two goals in our vision statement "10 or better" To win the Rotorua league for an unprecedented 3rd straight Year and to finish the king of all Tournaments "The New Zealand Club Championships" in 10th place or better.
The final of the Rotorua league saw the Magic against first time finalist Tarewa Giants lead by the Veteran pitching of Vaughan Grey. This close match was sealed with a 7th innings home run by right fielder Blake Purcell to take the Magic to the final championship winning score line of 2-0. Goal one achieved!
Then on to "10 or better" which was a huge goal set. Ball teams outside of the major softball centre's in NZ are not supposed to make the elite top eight. So we set off to Hastings for the five day long tournament as the quite unknown team from Rotorua.
We where pooled with 5 other teams, and the top 2 finishers would make the illustrious “top eight”. First up was Auckland United which saw the Marist Magic march pass 12-2. Then the mighty Porirua who finished 3rd last year; this turned out to be the game of the Tournament for us. Porirua opened with 2 runs in the first, which we quickly replied with 1 in the bottom of the first then 3 in the second. Porirua tied it up with a run a piece in the 4th and top of the 7th. Then came the dark. The game was delayed 90 minutes while we where transferred on to the main diamond under lights. So at 4 all, with 3 outs to get 1 run to win the game, Grey hits a high infield blooper and scampers to second, with replacement runner Hohepa on second base, Lataire hits one off the right fielders glove to score the winning run. Magic wins 5-4.
Next up is the eventual winners Hutt City United lead by the MVP pitching of NZ Blacksox Jeremy Manly. The rain stopped play as did Manley with our runs. HCU win 2-0. So we must win the remainder of our pool matches to make the top eight.
Well Gervasutti strikes out 15, with Gervasutti, Lataire and Colquhoun home runs we beat Howick of Auckland 4-1 and Grey throws a complete game to over come the Hawkes Bay Harvest 4-3. Celebration time! Marist Magic finishes second in our pool and makes the Golden "Top eight" Second goal achieved!
Season awards went to the following: "The strike out KING" or kings with 39 a piece Lee Clarke and Blake Purcell, Golden glove Blake Purcell, Top Hitter Sebastian Gervasutti .442, Most Improved Blake Purcell and MVP Sebastian Gervasutti.
We would like to tank all the opposition we faced this year 36 different teams, the tournament and competition organisers. Our sponsors for making life a lot easier, Easton, Photo Arts, Hitchins NZ, Duxton Hotels, Conning Signs. All the players for their unconditional efforts to achieving our goals, the Coaches Alan Pukepuke, Laurence Alan and Ken Price, our Statistician Jacquie Horgan and a huge thanks to our Manger Barry "The legend" Purcell. Bat Boys Jamie Clarke, DJ Bishop, Mace Price and Callae Bishop.
Lastly our supporters and great families for being the rock behind the mountain.
Marist Magic squad for 2005-6 season, Austin Gear, Eric Short, Richard De Graaf, Blake Purcell, Dwayne Tapson, Santiago Lataire, Duane Bishop, Lee Clarke, Sebastian Gervasutti, Jason Gerbes, Kelvin Tapson, Wayne Horgan, with tournament play from Shane Hunuhunu, Wayne Norman, Reuben Colquhoun, Terrance Hibbert, Brett Wellings, BJ Hohepa, Robbie Jowers, Waki Akurangi, Phil Ngawaka, Jonas March, Marlin Gardiner, Kapuarangi Gardiner, Victor Reihana, Leon Hardie, Brandon Fuge, Louis Jogar, Matthew Collins, Joe Fazakerley, Vaughan Grey, Blair Gurnic, Mario Herbert, George Ironside, Wesley Knapp, Dylon Pederson, Huia Vercoe, Puru Waerea, Kelly Winsor.
That’s us for the 2005-2006 season, time now to rug up for the NZ winter. Only the imagination holds the reality of next season.........see you then.
May 24, 2006
vintagesoftball.com
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WORLD VINTAGE SOFTBALL CARNIVAL – ROTORUA NEW ZEALAND
March 20 - 26, 2007
Confirmed: the 1st World Vintage Softball Carnival in Rotorua, New Zealand…
Welcome to the latest World Vintage Softball Carnival, Rotorua, New Zealand, March 20 to 26, 2007.
Slowpitch or Fastpitch-Your Choice-Newsletter No 2.
The Inaugural World Vintage Softball is to well and truly confirmed with enthusiastic responses from teams throughout the extensive Softball world.
The Rotorua Softball Association Inc has agreed to assist with hosting the Carnival and in this newsletter you will find their special message of invite and welcome. Slow Pitch New Zealand Inc is into the Carnival and has provided people to help with the organisation of the Carnival.
The Vintage Softball Carnival, March 2007 will provide a week of great competition, good fun, great friendship and hosting that will be second to none.
Designed for players over the age of 35, the World Vintage Softball Carnival caters for Slowpitch and Fastpitch Men's, women's, co-ed-all teams, their officials and supporters will be welcomed and placed in the grade of competition that suits their age, ability and fitness.
Take chance for a trip to one of the safest, friendliest countries in the world and enjoy the opportunity to play international ball in an exciting and unique destination.
The 2nd Newsletter includes details of the Carnival Organising Committee, the accommodation options being offered, the cost of participation and some of the unique attractions of Rotorua-centre of New Zealand's famous Thermal Wonderland.
Yours in softball
Peter McDermott
Carnival Director
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If Slowpitch is your game, just click here for your Newsletter that will you details of prices, accommodation, attractions, team entries to date, Slow Pitch Carnival organisation, progress towards the Carnival and all that goes with it and find out all about Rotorua, New Zealand-home to the inaugural World Vintage Slowpitch Carnival…..SLOWPITCH NEWSLETTER No 2>>
If Fastpitch is your game, then just click here for your Newsletter and get details of the prices, accommodation, attractions, Fast Pitch organisation, progress towards the Carnival and all that goes with it and find out all about Rotorua, New Zealand-home to the inaugural World Vintage Fastpitch Carnival…..FASTPITCH NEWSLETTER No 2>>
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A warm New Zealand invitation and welcome to the 1st World Vintage Softball Carnival in Rotorua New Zealand
Tenei te mihi ki a koutou nga manuhiri tuarangi
Koutou mai i nga hau e wha
Nau mai, piki mai, kake mai
Ko te tumanako ka whai hua tenei huinga o tatou
I make the acquaintance of all of our distinguished guests
and participants from the four winds
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
May our gathering together be a fruitful one
As President of the Rotorua Softball Association I am humbled to become a part of this Inaugural World Vintage Softball Carnival being held here from 20 -27 of March 2007 in our beautiful City of Rotorua.
I also take this opportunity to welcome in unison with our national participants, those athletes from various areas throughout the World, to one of the elite tourist destinations of the South Pacific, steeped in Maori Culture and world renowned for our Geysers, Hot pools and boiling mud pools.
We are proud to boast the well-known Black Sox Men’s Softball team of Aotearoa (New Zealand) who are the incumbent three peat World Champions and our Women’s White Sox team, also up there with the best of them. I am certain that some of our retired greats will participate at this tournament.
The Rotorua Softball Association in conjunction with Tourism Rotorua and the Vintage Softball Carnival organisers will do our utmost to make your journey one of historic value, that your stay in our City will be a memorable one, that the friendships created at this tournament be cherished, and on your exodus that you carry with you a little part of our culture as a memorabilia to the next Vintage Softball Carnival.
In conclusion I once again express thanks for your participation.
Ma Te Atua hei Tiaki
May God care for you
Ma Te Atua Hei Manaaki
May God Bless you
Naku noa na
Pango Putaranui
President, Rotorua Softball Association,
Rotorua, New Zealand
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The World Vintage Softball Carnival-Slowpitch and Fastpitch- is supported by New Zealand Slowpitch, Rotorua Softball Association, Tourism Rotorua and Event Venues Rotorua. The Carnival is a not-for-profit event organised and managed by:
Vintage Softball Office
Level 1, 349 Remuera Rd
PO Box 28 656, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand
Telephone: (+64) 9 5221310 Facsimile: (+64) 9 5226856
Email: mail@vintagesoftball.com Website: www.vintagesoftball.com
Learning the haka from the Americans
March 23, 2006
By:SHANE HURNDELL of Hawkes Bay Today
Former Black Sox softball pitcher Paul Algar couldn't help but laugh when he joined Hawke's Bay champions Tamatea for this week's national men's interclub tournament in Hastings.
"I'm part Maori and the day I arrive the two Americans in the side offer to teach me the team haka," he said referring to short stop Kyle Van Abel and utility Ric Thompson.
"It's all good though. I'm slowly picking it up as I've seen it done twice, once for Jovaan Hanley after he was named in the Junior Black Sox training squad and once for Rhys Scarfe at his 21st.
"It's all part of the tremendous team spirit the side has and it worked for us yesterday," Algar, 41, said referring to the fact Scarfe Builders Tamatea won both of their Day 1 matches at the tournament which continues until Sunday at Akina Park.
Tamatea beat Otahuhu 6-0 in the first game and Miramar 3-2 in their second. "I was impressed with the poise and patience the boys displayed against Miramar," said Algar.
A Black Sox player from 1999-2003, Algar, has been United States-based for the past 15 years. He has played alongside Van Abel with The Farm team in the States and it was Van Abel who suggested he play for Tamatea this week.
"I love playing in the interclubs and I jumped at the opportunity to come home and play," said Algar who has won the interclubs title several times in the past with Wellington club Poneke Kilbirnie.
"With Hone (Hone Mark Sinnott) and Shaun (Shaun Marino) there's plenty of hot competition for time on the mount for this Tamatea side. And that's how I like it," he added.
The other Bay team in the 24-team tournament, Hawke's Bay Harvest, lost 5-2 to Hutt City United and 15-0 to Porirua. Numerous upsets were a feature of yesterday's play with Giants of Wairarapa causing the biggest with a 7-0 win over Auckland Marist.
St Michael's Magic slays the Giants of Tarewa - despite the rain
March 13, 2006
Blake Purcell hit an automatic home run to win Rotorua Softball's Champion of Champions title. Picture: Ben Fraser
By KRISTIN EDGE
Blake Purcell certainly knows when to hit form - and an automatic home run.
The 18-year-old sent the fluorescent yellow softball rocketing over the boundary to secure Marist Saint Michael's third consecutive Rotorua Softball Champion of Champions title on Saturday.
"It's the first one I have hit here in front of a home crowd and it's a great feeling," said the Waikato University first-year student.
"As soon as I hit it I knew it was gone."
Magic managed to head off Tarewa Giants in an exciting 2-0 game that could have swung either way at Rotorua's International Stadium.
Purcell's impressive hit came in the seventh and final innings of the game.
Giants pitcher Vaughan Grey was on the mound and has made the season tough for Purcell.
"He [Grey] has owned me all season. I haven't got one hit against him but today I got bat on ball," Purcell said.
Seasoned Magic player Jason Gerbes said the home run by Purcell was "an insurance run" late in the game.
"You can never think you've got it in the bag against a team like the Giants so to get that run at that stage of the game made it just a bit harder for them to come back at us."
Giants co-coach Tai Tait said his young side were a bit tense and were not used to playing in front of such a big and vocal crowd.
"We were proud to make the final. Apart from the early error it was a tight game to the end. It was one error and one big hit that was the difference," Tait said.
"It's a young side but it's a home grown team."
Argentine import Sebastian Gervasutti managed to put the first run on the board for the defending champions Magic only minutes into the first innings.
A well placed hit hugged the ground to the outfield but two errors by the Tarewa Giants saw Gervasutti jog leisurely across home base.
For the next few innings it was a pitching dual with Gervasutti and Grey stamping their mark squarely on the game with a series of strikeouts.
In the bottom of the fifth innings a heavy rain shower sent the crowd scuttling for shelter in the grandstand and saw the players retreat to their dugouts
But after five minutes with both teams keen to play, the game resumed.
In the sixth innings Marist positioned themselves well with import Santiago Lataire, also from Argentine, poised on third base and Gerbes on second.
But Grey responded to the pressure by striking out Magic's Eric Short.
As the tension heightened the volume from the supporters increased.
At the top of the seventh it was Purcell that clinched the title for Magic with an impressive automatic home run.
But the Giants battled on and gave the crowd the sense the game was not over.
With one Giant player out BJ Hohepa slammed a hit into the outfield and and made it to second base. However, the following two Giant's batters Eddie Tait and Shaun Tamai succumbed to the rocket pitches being unleashed by Gervasutti which ended the 2 hour 15 minute encounter.
Marist Magic stuns Japanese
February 15, 2006
By KRISTIN EDGE courtesy of www.dailypost.co.nz
It might have been the Japanese versus the Kiwi lads but it was an Argentine who stole the softball show.
Pitcher Sebastian Gervasutti played a major role in Marist Saint Michael's Magic 6-0 win over the touring Japan National University team at Rotorua's International Stadium yesterday.The 22-year-old from South America threw 20 strike outs during seven innings, smashed a home run to also bring a team-mate and headed off a Japanese player sliding home.
Gervasutti, who arrived in Rotorua in January, was modest about his performance."It was just one hit and I think I did okay with the ball."
The Japanese style of softball was not foreign to Gervasutti, who has played sides in Australia as part of Argentina's Junior National team and the Japan U23 side in an Auckland tournament last weekend. "The Japanese have good contact with the ball, they like to hit hard."
The Japanese were impressed, if not shocked, with Magic's performance.The international side, which combines students from six Japanese Universities, have played six games since arriving in New Zealand a week ago.Their record stands at five wins and two losses, including yesterday's game.
But Coach Yutaka Miyahara said Magic were their toughest opponents so far."I'm shocked. I expected a closer game," Miyahara said. "But they play with good spirit."
Magic captain Jason Gerbes said Magic jumped at a request from Softball New Zealand to play the Japanese."We have a lot of respect for the Japanese. They are very good in the field and real quick when they bat." Gerbes said a great performance by Gervasutti was backed up by a good team effort.
First up Magic batter Argentine Santiago Lataire got the ball rolling when he smashed an automatic home run only four balls into the game.The Japanese looked sharp in the field making some great catches on the run in the outfield.
In the bottom of the second innings it looked like the visitors might score with runners on second and third bases. But Gervasutti responded to the pressure making sure of a strikeout. The Japanese failed to settle when it came to players on the mound, using three pitchers during the game.
In the fourth innings Magic capitalised on the inconsistent pitching with Gerbes managing to make it home. But it was in the following innings Magic managed to put three more runs on the board. After being struck with the ball Lataire walked to first then managed to steal second. With bat in hand Gervasutti hit an automatic home run. Not to be out done, Gerbes also registered an automatic home run after the ball was sent hurtling over the boundary, accompanied by plenty of vocal support.
As the sun set on the stadium diamond so too did the chances of Japan making it back into the game.
With loaded bases it was Gervasutti who yet again stepped up to bat. He was struck with the ball and as the Magic players shuffled round the bases it was Blake Purcell who scored the last run of the game.
Magic Squad included: Lee Clarke, Alan Pukepuke(Coach), Barry Purcell (Manager), Dennis Tetuhi (1st Base Coach), Duane Bishop, Richard de Graaf, Dwayne Tapson, Jacquie Horgan(Satistician), Austin Gear, Eric Short, Robbie Jowers, Shane Hunuhunu, Blake Purcell, Jamie Clarke(bat boy), Sebastian Gervasutti, Santiago Lataire, Jason Gerbes.
Japan University Squad included: Keiya Outi(Group Leader), Kensaku Suei(Sub leader), Hiroyuki Morita(General manager), Kazuya Yoshisue(Coordinator), Sinji Takahashi(Manager), Yutaka Miyahara(Coach), Thuyoshi Sadohara, Katsuo Tsuchiya, Fumikazu Motoi, Keisuke Matumoto, Kenj iSuzuki, Makita Naoya, Goro Kataoka, Masashi Namihira, Takayuki Higa, Takahiro Kubokawa, Yota Komi, Syun Moromizato, Daishi Uramoto, Masaki Otazawa, Takuma Yasui, Shunta Ageisi, Yuutaro Shiiba, Yasushi Hirayama, Jyoji Abiru, Eiji Sasaki.
We would like to wish the Japan team all the best for the remainder of their tour of New Zealand.
We would also like to thank our supporters and sponsors; Duxton Hotels, Photo Arts, Easton (Ice and Inline 200), Hitchins NZ Ltd
Slamming Marist St Micheals Magic Wins Rehe Joseph Memorial
January 31, 2006
Marist St Micheals Magic travelled to Hamilton this weekend, for the prestigious Rehe Joseph Memorial Fastpitch Softball tournament. The “Magic” last played this tournament 4 years ago and produced a disappointing performance with 8 straight losses.
This year’s goal was clear and precise; to win the title, and re-establish the Marist St Micheals club fine name in Softball.
The Marist St Micheals Magic continued their great momentum from their Bronze medal finish at last weekends Braves tournament in Wanganui, with a display of devastating power hitting and uncompromising defence. The team smashed in 40 runs, 11 courtesy of the long ball, while the defence allowed only 2 runs lead by 50 strikeouts from Gervasutti and Hunuhunu.
A new magic Star was born this weekend for the Rotorua Marist St Micheals Magic. Sebastian Gervasutti took a step to a complete different level. The recipient of the Batting, Pitching and MVP tittles has found his New Zealand home and is marking it loud and clear he means business. Gervasutti hit an amazing .667 batting average with 8 RBI’s on the back of 4 power home runs, to take out the batting title, which is unusual for a pitcher. He placed second on the tournament RBI (runners batted in) list only to his team mate Wayne Norman. However this did not distract him from his primary job as he fanned 42 batters by way of Strikeout’s from the pitching mound. His ERA (earned run average) of 0.03 gave him the full wrap of awards in the tournaments top pitcher. “I felt the team played well this weekend, and I am very happy with my performance. I enjoy the chance to bat and show my game in this way. I am happy with the built momentum for this coming weekends Brother Patrick tournament in Auckland over Waitangi weekend.” Say’s a quite and modest Gervasutti.
Other strong performances can from all over the park, with consistent hitting from Lataire .630, Gerbes, Norman, and Hunuhunu. Hard defence was played by all but none more solid than Bishop at second base.
Game 1 Waitakere Bears 4 – 0 Gervasutti 17 K, (7 innings)
Game 2 Melville (Host team) 9 – 0 Gervasutti 9 K, HR 2 Norman, Gervasutti, (6 innings – mercy rule)
Game 3 Howick (Auckland) 6 – 2 Gervasutti 11 K, HR Gervasutti, Norman (6 innings – time)
Game 4 Ramblers Cavillers 9 – 0 Hunuhunu 6K, HR Lataire, Gervasutti, Norman. Disallowed HR Lataire, Short (4 innings – mercy rule)
Game 5 Howick (FINAL) 12 -0 Gervasutti 5K, HR Gervasutti, Norman, Short (3 innings – mercy rule)
Rehe Joseph Squad: Left to right; Alan Pukepuke(Coach), Lee Clarke, Eric Short, Victor Reihana(1st Base Coach), Duane Bishop, Jamie Clarke(bat boy), Shane Hunuhunu, Blake Purcell, Wayne Norman, Austin Gear, Jason Gerbes, Santiago Lataire, Sebastian Gervasutti, Jocelyn Curtain (Statistician), Barry Purcell (Manager).
Thank you to all the supporters, families and team management staff, for all your efforts which are never unnoticed.
The “Marist St Micheals Magic” is next in action this coming Waitangi weekend (4-6 Feb) at Simpson Park in Auckland for the annual Brother Patrick Fastpitch tournament, hosted by the prestigious Auckland Marist Ball Club. Ring Barry for directions 0274 744 007
See you there!!!!!
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Bronze Medal @ Braves Tournament
January 27, 2006
The Marist St Micheals Magic travelled to Wanganui last weekend to play in the Annual Braves softball tournament. This is an elite level tournament, where NZ’s best players compete for the title.
Last year we won the Plate final over Royals from Wellington, however this ranked us around 12th, so our goal was to do much better this year. A top 4 spot is the goal this year.
The Marist Magic had the best weekend so far for the Marist St Micheals club.
We finished 3rd, losing our semi final 1-0 to the defending champions Porirua (ranked 3rd in NZ). They had a Black Sox pitcher Tane Richardson playing for them. Porirua went on to win the Final 1-0 over Masterton Giants.
We had very strong performances from Both Argentinean imports Santiago Lataire and Sebastian Gervasutti. Also noted for the Magic was consistent play for young Blake Purcell and great fielding from Lee Clarke.
Our record was 6 games
3 win’s 3 loss’s
Runs for 20
Against 9
Game 1 PK (ranked 7th NZ) 3-1 loss
Game 2 Braves (Home team) 2-0 Win
Game 3 Royals (Wellington team) 8-1 Win
Game 4 Blue Sox (Palmerston team) 8-2 Win
Game 5 Hutt City United (ranked 4th NZ) 2-1 Loss 3innings tiebreaker
Game 6 Porirua (ranked 3rd NZ) 1-0 loss
The team looked fantastic in our new uniforms, and played very well all weekend. We achieved a lot of respect from the softball clubs around NZ.
We had definite chance to win the tournament, so roll on next year!!!!!
Team Left to right: Santiago Lataire, Barry Purcell (manager), Jason Gerbes, Lee Clarke, Jamie Clarke(Bat boy),Luis Jogar, Leon Hardie, Rueben Colquhoun, Sebastian Gervasutti, Jonas Mach, Blake Purcell, Laurence Alan(coach),Joe, Brandon Fuge, Jacquie Horgan (Statistician), Richard De Graaf (Absent)
Thanks to all the supports who travelled, and of course our work-horse manager Barry Purcell.
The Marist Magic are next in action this weekend at the Rehe Joseph Tournament at Resthills Park in Hamilton. Ring Barry for directions 0274 744 007
See you there!!!!!!!
Jeremy Manly makes Black Sox
December 19, 2005
Photo courtesy of www.fastpitchwest.com Jeremy pitching at Red Rock tournament, Colorado, USA 2004
Two new caps in Black Sox squad for Australian series
Monday December 19th 2005
Marist Saint Michaels Magic our proud to announce its first Black Sox. Jeremy Manly played for the Magic in the North Island Classic, Hastings, and Against Czech Republic in the 2003-04 season. We would like to wish him and his family congratulations, on his selection.
New Zealand Community Trust Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase has put on his Santa hat and delivered an early Christmas gift for two players who have been named to make their debuts for the Black Sox.
Pitcher Jeremy Manley of Hutt Valley and outfielder Todd Grego from Wellington have won selection in the Black Sox team to tour Australia next month and compete in the Commonwealth Championship to be played in Melbourne.
Both Manley and Grego have been part of the extended Black Sox training squad but this will be their first chance to take to the diamond for the world champion team.
Strong form during the off season playing in America has won the 23-year-old Manley selection in this squad. Coach Kohlhase says he received some very positive scouting reports about the form of Manly from former Black Sox pitchers based in America Paul Algar and Michael White.
“Since arriving home we have been following Jeremy’s form and we a re very happy with his progress. This is an opportunity for Jeremy to put his hand up and see how he goes in the international environment,” said Kohlhase.
The tour to Australia will be something of a homecoming for fellow debutant the Australian born Todd Grego. The 26-year-old has already had a taste of international softball having represented Australia at a senior level.
Kohlhase says Grego like fellow Black Sox members Travis Wilson and Gus Leger comes from the softball and baseball background having been scouted at a young age by baseball scouts in Australia.
“Todd is a good athlete he has good speed is a very good hitter and a strong arm from the outfield. He has been selected as a rotational player in the outfield and for him the trip will be something of a homecoming.”
The squad for Australia includes six changes from the team that completed a 4-0 clean sweep over Samoa earlier this month. Kohlhase says while there are a number of changes it is still a very strong team and they are travelling to Australia with just one intention and that is to win.
“This will be the first ever Commonwealth Championship and we want to be the first team on the cup,” said Kohlhase.
The Commonwealth Series to be held from January 25th -29th will be a good work out for the three time world champions as they will be taking on Australia, Samoa, South Africa and Botswana in a round robin series ahead of a finals playoff.
New Zealand Community Trust Black Sox Squad:
Pitchers - Jarrad Martin, captain (North Harbour), Marty Grant (Wellington), Jeremy Manley (Hutt Valley).
Catchers - Patrick Shannon (Auckland), Bevan Martin (Taranaki).
Infielders - Stephen Ratu (Wellington), Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley), Travis Wilson (Auckland), Brad Rona (North Harbour), Nathan Nukunuku, vice captain (Auckland), Roman Gabriel (Auckland).
Outfielders - Gus Leger (Auckland), Fabian Makea (Wellington), Thomas Makea (Wellington), Todd Grego (Wellington), Stacy Mclean (Wellington), Daniel Milne (Canterbury).
December 19, 2005
You're out: Marist catcher Blake Purcell stops Falcons player Justin Timoti.
The sun comes out for Eric Short
Story by KRISTIN EDGE and Courtesy of Daily Post
Once the rain clouds cleared it was easy to see Eric Short's two automatic home runs rocket into the Rotorua International Stadium grandstand.
The wet weather of the last two weekends finally eased yesterday allowing a few catch-up games to be played.
Saturday was a washout with all the day's games postponed due to heavy overnight rain.
But lining up for MSM Magic Short was not out of practise with the bat. He smashed his first automatic home run in the first innings which also saw fellow team mate Argentinean import Santiago Lataire scampered home.
Not to be outdone Falcons also scored first up with Justin Timoti firing the ball out over first base to allow Anaru O'Callaghan to dash home.
Timoti also made a determined sprint for home base but was unable to slide past the watchful Magic catcher Blake Purcell.
The second on Short's impressive monster hits came in the fifth innings. Following his side's convincing 10-1 win yesterday. Short said the team had been chomping at the bit to get back out and continue with club games.
"We were keen to get out here on Saturday for a double header but the rain just didn't let up," he said.
Short was surprised by the score line and said he had expected a closer tussle.
"It was one of our better team performances. Defensively we have been good through the season but today it was good to get the bat going."
The fifth innings cemented Magic's win which saw Lee Clarke, Blake Purcell, Dwayne Bishop and Dwayne Tapson all cross home base.
But the increasing score line and occasional shower failed to dampen the spirit of the Falcon side who continued to whoop encouragement every time one of their players stepped up to bat.
Magic pitcher Jason Gerbes faced 26 batters, pitched eight strikeouts and conceded four walks while the pitching duties for Falcons was shared by Stephen and Laurie Winiata.
New site for the Lads and Fans!
July 21, 2005
Hi all players and fans.
Welcome to the new web site about the Marist Magic Men's Premier Fastpitch Softball team, of the Marist St Micheals sports club, Rotorua, New Zealand. You will be able to find all the wonderful information that you will ever want to know, at the touch of a button.
So please enjoy our web site, and be sure to catch all the action and breaking news through the season from Rotorua's most successful Ball Team Marist Magic 2 time Rotorua League Champions.
Marist Club Newsletter November 2005
November 15, 2005
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Marist St Michael’s Rugby and Sports Club will be held on Sunday 18th December 1.00 p.m. at the Clubrooms. There is a nomination box on the bar; we look forward to this being filled. This will be followed by a Xmas Party. Details will be emailed to you shortly.
Top Town Competition
Thanks to all those who came to the Top Town event at the club on Saturday 5 November. A huge effort was put into trying to erect the marquee on the rugby field but those of us who tried in vein to put it up were just about blown off the field by the strong gusts of wind. I think that was a bigger work-out than the top town events.
To read more just click on Blue heading
Marist Newsletter October 2005
October 17, 2005
Bathurst
It was great to see some new faces at the Club and particularly those of you who made an effort to support the Club yet weren’t too interested in Bathurst itself, thank you and we would like to see you all again soon.
Thank you to all who helped put “Bathurst Day” together
- Kelly Canning and her children for organizing the Trolley Derby, incidentally won by Ford team. Check the photos out!
- Donna (our raffle Queen) for extracting money out of patrons for the raffles. Money raised from this was $370.00 which goes towards the Chiller Repair Fund, well done Donna.
- Chef Pete for cooking the BBQ and his helpers Andrea & Ben
- Tania, Lee, Andrea and BJ for all the hot air in the balloons and decorating the Clubrooms in blue and red.
To read on just click on blue title above
Magic's 2005 Vision "10 or Better"
August 9, 2005
If you want to know what the Marist Magic premier men's softball team are about, then read their 2005 vision statement produced by Manager Barry Purcell
"The last 2 seasons has seen the premier softball side in the club, indeed in the region, Marist Magic, win back to back championships playing in the Rotorua district competition. During this past season 2004/2005 the team travelled out of the region to play in several tournaments the focus......"
To read more just click on the blue heading above....Nice job Baz!!
ISC Final Story
August 31, 2005
www.theinsidecurve.com have designed a fantastic montage of photos from this years ISC World Championship game. Their montage includes music and a commentary fit for the final. Just click on photo above or this link ISC Final as a Photo Story
You can also read the article here ISC World 2005 Champions - County Materials
Enjoy!!!
Magic Supporter Gear Coming Soon!!!!
August 3, 2005
Hi All
Stay turned for a range of supporter gear from Caps to Jackets. So you can support your team with the right gear.
If you have any items you wish to get, just drop Jason Gerbes a line, and he will sort you out for now.
Stay Tuned!!!!!
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