Softball: Black Sox vie to qualify

Stand up and be accountable - that's the New Zealand men's softball team's mantra for the Oceania world championship qualifying tournament beginning today at Rosedale Park in North Shore City.

"We have spoken about more accountability and not looking for the next person to do it," New Zealand coach Eddie Kohlhase said.

Also vying for one of the two Oceania spots available for next year's world championship in Saskatoon, Canada, are Australia, Papua New Guinea and Guam.

For this series, Kohlhase rushed back Marty Grant and Roman Gabriel, both ex-retirees, into the national side.