Softball: More players needed after good start

Hinemoa pitcher Jesse Galvin-Dawson in action for his team on Saturday at Puketawhero Park.

While the softball community has been buzzing since the sport returned to Rotorua, there is still one thing missing - strong competition.

Softball made its return to Rotorua about a month ago at Puketawhero Park with teams entered in the T-ball, junior and senior grades.

While some grades are strong, others, like the men's open division, are struggling for teams.

Hinemoa men's team captain Harlem Hohepa said his teammates were enjoying playing again but they would like to see more teams entered.

Only three teams currently contest the men's grade - Falcons United, Whakarewarewa and Hinemoa - meaning they regularly play the same team each Saturday.

Hohepa said it was still early days though, and they would just keep putting the game out there and hopefully lift interest in softball.

"Our goal is just to play our game and get more wins, and to get the game out there and get more teams and more competition happening. That is what we want to see."

Hinemoa went up against Whakarewarewa on Saturday, recording a good win.

Hohepa said two standouts from his side during the match were Jesse Galvin-Dawson and youngster Jayden Dowd, who pitched and batted well.

Whaka are still getting a good hold on the sport but seem to be getting better with every game, Hohepa said.

"They have gotten quite a lot better and even drew with Falcons last week."

Saturday was the last round of matches before Christmas and all teams are now on a break.

Hohepa said his team had plenty of guys who had played softball in the past and they had shaken the rust off well during the first part of the season.

"Our team is coming together quite nicely," he said. "Just our batting - we don't do too much training on [our batting] and could improve."