D4 WEEKENDSPORT Saturday, December 15, 2012 THE PRESS,

CYCLING FOOTBALL IN BRIEF

INBRIEF

Boyle brilliant Course ❯❯ Leading swimmer celebrated her 25th birthday Canty on red and exceeded expectations by change claiming the 800m world short course title in Istanbul, Turkey. After finishing fourth in the long to open course 800m final at this year’s in alert at home , Boyle sliced seven seconds off her previous best up race Tony Smith ‘‘It keeps the guys hungry, to break through onto the SQUADS everyone just wants to do senior world podium. She is A key course change could Canterbury United goal- well.’’ just the second individual New ■ CANTERBURY UNITED: open up chances in next keeper Adam Highfield is The competition extends to Zealand swimmer to win a gold Adam Highfield, Tom Batty month’s 75th anniversary of wary of the Waitakere United the goalkeeping berth. High- medal at the world (gks), Dan Terris (c), Tom the Calder Stewart Elite Road attack as he chases a fourth field has been the first-choice championships short course, Schwarz, Vladimir Bayrev, Cycling Championships in consecutive clean sheet in for the last two years but he following on from Moss Nick Wortelboer, Julyan Christchurch. tomorrow’s top of the table knows understudy Tom Batty Burmester in 2008. The field Collett, Tristan Nicol, Aaron The 2013 race returns to national premiership match. is also a proven performer. was missing the three Clapham, Josh Smith, the challenging Cashmere The Canterbury Dragons The midfield scrap could swimmers who beat Boyle in Darren White, Andy Barton, Hills circuit in Christchurch are bidding to win a record hold the key to tomorrow’s London with , Chris Murphy, Dimitar on January 12-13 for the sixth successive game in the outcome. Waitakere captain Spaniard Mireia Belmonnte Bayrev, Russell Kamo, Ken fourth straight year. ASB premiership to overtake Jake Butler will almost cer- Garcia and Yamamoto, Ash Wellbourn. There will be one less champions Waitakere in first tainly be assigned to be all absent. Boyle won clocking ■ WAITAKERE UNITED: Danny ascent over the testing climb place at the end of the second Clapham’s shadow. more than two seconds clear Robinson, Louie Caunter up Dyers Pass Rd to be round. Waitakere also boast for- of Danish star Lotte Friis (gks), , Jack replaced with a full lap on the Highfield hasn’t conceded mer All White David Mul- (8:10.99) who Boyle also beat Beguely, , Brian flat instead. a goal since Canterbury’s 2-1 ligan, whose long-range shoot- in London, while American Shelton, Matt Cunneen, Organiser Simon Hollan- home win over Otago United ing and deadly dead-ball Chloe Sutton (8:15.53) was David Mulligan, Jake Butler der believes the change will last month and is determined delivery should not be taken third. (c), , Allan bring more riders into conten- to extend that record at lightly. He is the premier- Pearce, , Ryan tion. English Park. ship’s top scorer on five goals. de Vries, Maksim Manko, Post for Waddell ‘‘First and foremost we Waitakere have an They have a new coach Dylan Stansfield, Mikos want to maintain the integrity electric-heeled strikeforce led this season, with former ❯❯ Olympic gold medallist Rob Nikolic. of this course as a true test by Fijian international Roy City boss Paul Waddell has been named the ■ Kickoff: 2pm. Other Round 7 befitting a national champion- Krishna, ex-All White Allan Marshall taking over from All New Zealand Olympic matches tomorrow (home ship,’’ Hollander said. ‘‘This Pearce and . Whites assistant Neil Emblen. Committee’s new chef de teams named first): course does that in my view, ‘‘We will be looking out for Canterbury coach Keith mission. Waddell, who won Auckland City v Youngheart and 10 times up Dyers Pass their strikers on the break. Braithwaite has plenty of gold in the single sculls at the Manawatu, Otago United v will test everyone for sure. They are a good counter- respect for Emblen, but he Sydney Olympics, replaces the Waikato FC, Hawke’s Bay ‘‘Previously if the bigger attack team with speed up said Waitakere ‘‘by all now retired , who United v Team . time triallists dropped off the front that we need to nullify,’’ accounts are playing better attracted criticism at the back on that last climb, Highfield said. than they were last year’’. London Olympics over his there’s only 8 kilometres ‘‘You can’t just stop one of Vladimir Bayrev are building ‘‘They’re playing a 4-3-3 team management. Currie remaining and not much of a them, there’s three or four an understanding in central [formation], the same as last drew criticism after several chance to work their way them [who are threats].’’ defence and both Julyan year, but they’re definitely a competitors, including shot- back on the final lap. Waitakere are probably Collett and Nick Wortelboer bit tighter than they were at put champion , ‘‘Now there will be around saying the same about a have performed strongly at the back and they are really were not officially entered in 21km of flat riding which Canterbury attack that has left back. going at teams from the get-go their respective events, while offers real incentive for those scored 11 goals in the last The Dragons’ defence had and put them under pres- his penchant for doing the who aren’t able to go with the three games. Russell Kamo, a shaky start, conceding five sure.’’ haka in the stands and at the best climbers to work their Dimitar Bayrev, Darren goals in their first game–a5-2 Canterbury have won four athletes’ villages at Olympics way back and figure in the White and Andy Barton are loss to Auckland City – but of their last five matches with and finish. And those who have beginning to click and Aaron Highfield, who saved a pen- Waitakere, but the visitors also raised eyebrows. Waddell, got away on the climbs will Clapham is the premiership’s alty at Waikato FC, has fished thrashed the Dragons 5-2 at Warning issued: Canterbury United goalkeeper Adam Highfield acknowledges the threat posed by Waitakere’s who overcame a heart have to work really hard to best playmaker. the ball out of the net just English Park last year in the attacking force. Photo: FAIRFAX NZ condition that caused an maintain their advantage.’’ Highfield said, like last once in the last five matches. semifinal second leg. They irregular heartbeat to win gold Hollander does not expect season, Canterbury was ben- ‘‘The fruits are starting to remain the only team to beat Robinson as ‘‘a class keeper He said a win over the table because we’ve got in Sydney, has been involved it to result in a mass sprint efiting from having a stable show,’’ he said, citing the Canterbury on their artificial and one of the best in the Waitakere would do wonders two tough games after Christ- with New Zealand’s America’s though. defence. Captain Dan Terris competition for places as a pitch installed last year. league’’, said Waitakere had for their confidence before the mas against Auckland and Cup challenge since 2001. He ‘‘This course is still a has been ever-present at right key factor in the Dragons’ Highfield, who rates his trained on artificial pitches in Christmas break. ‘‘It would be Wellington, which are both at made a return to rowing in serious test but now it could back, Tom Schwarz and defensive form. Waitakere opposite Danny Auckland this week. great to get a win and go top of home as well.’’ 2008, combining with Nathan well mean we have a very Cohen to finish fourth in the exciting finish. This course double sculls at the Beijing will now allow for every type Olympics, before he returned of rider to play a part in the MOUNTAINBIKING to the America’s Cup setup. finish if they are good enough and will no doubt call for a Players retained different tactical approach from some riders.’’ ❯❯ The South African The championship week Cooper to compete at selectors kept faith with the begins with the time trials test team that dispatched from Lincoln College on Australia this month ahead of January 11. The women’s elite a forthcoming home series road race over 120.5km on worlds for Cannondale against New Zealand. The January 12 will comprise squad for two tests against eight laps with six climbs of Woodend’s has focus solely on downhill Zealander to win a UCI cross New Zealand, in Cape Town Dyers Pass. signed a two-year deal with racing. country Mountain Bike from January 2 and Port This is a 1.5km climb of a international mountainbike ‘‘The team at Cannondale World Championship in Sep- Elizabeth from January 11, gradient of 8 per cent initially, team Cannondale Factory are such high class, with a tember, and was named as includes the 11 victorious easing to 5 per cent, before the Racing. couple of top Olympic riders 2012 BikeNZ People’s Choice players from the Waca test in right-hand turn and sharp Cooper, who will now ride on their roster and Keegan Award winner and Male Perth as well as batsman descent of Hackthorne Rd. fulltime after completing his Swenson, also, who I get along Mountain Biker of the Year. Jacques Rudolph and fast The elite and under-23 education at Christchurch with quite well, so it seemed Cooper is moving up to the bowler Rory Kleinveldt. There men’s race on January 13 Boys’ High School, will be the right fit for me,’’ Cooper under-23 race category, hav- was no place for leg-spinner comprises 12 laps in total for based in Germany for five said. ing dominated the inter- Imran Tahir, who took heavy 183.7km starting with the months during the New ‘‘Also, it’ll be good for me national under-19 circuit this punishment in the only match usual full lap on the flat before Zealand winter and compete to be riding more of the year. he played against Australia. 10 circuits up the Dyers Pass in UCI cross country world European season rather than ‘‘If you perform well in the climb. cups across Europe and in in the US, because for me to under-23 races in Europe, you King ready Following the climb for the North America. keep improving I need to be in can get invited to compete in final time, riders complete the The 18-year-old was forced Europe.’’ some of the elite world cup’s, ❯❯ A rested plans to 8km of that lap and then add a to look for a new team after This announcement book- so I’ll be trying to do that, do justice to an excellent year further 12km final lap on the New gig: Canterbury mountainbiker Anton Cooper has signed up with Cannondale Factory Racing. his previous outfit, Trek ends a fine year for Cooper. especially in 2014,’’ Cooper with a strong performance at flat. Photo: JOSEPH JOHNSON/FAIRFAX NZ World Racing, decided to He become the first New said. the World Open tournament in the Cayman Islands starting Monday. The Kiwi No 1 has enjoyed good SOFTBALL success this year, culminating with a rise to a career-best No 5 in the world rankings. Good starts Softball NZ’s serious crisis needs real resolution ❯❯ New Zealand golfers Cathryn Bristow and Emily hairman Rex Capil’s FARE PAID without public explanation Cowan conducted a campaign Older softballers Perry have both made positive resignation is unlikely Tony last year. review but it is being held remember when New Zealand starts to the final stage Cto be enough to Smith Softball New Zealand has The mood was not over as a part of pending were triple world champions qualifying event for the 2013 appease those agitating for paid for a board member now improved when the Black Sox review of the entire women’s (men’s, women’s and junior Ladies’ European Tour. The pair change at Softball New living in Australia to attend set out for a tournament in programme, including talent men) in the 1980s. both opened the five-round Zealand’s crisis meeting in tomorrow’s special general Canberra last December only identification and The sport – which had tournament with two-under Wellington tomorrow. Comment meeting. to discover their uniforms – development. twice the number of par rounds of 70 to be among a Ten provincial Mike Bills, a former Hawke’s held at head office – had not The SNZ board’s decision registered players to the host of players tied for 25th associations have demanded Bay softballer and part-time been washed since the mid- to back an International 30,000 today – was then run by after the first round in the special general meeting change manager’’ to come in rugby broadcaster, moved to year tour of North America. Softball Federation drive to a part-time national Marrakech, Morocco, amid claims that the sport – and turn the national office Brisbane in October. Paul Walford, a Black Sox hold world senior and junior secretary, Wellington yesterday. set to host the men’s world around, bring a ‘‘wow factor’’ He was reappointed to the world champion in 1996, had championships every two accountant George Vincent, championships in March – is to softball and rebuild rapport SNZ board at the annual been the team’s United States- years instead of four-yearly is and his office assistant. Devine sidelined in a precarious position. with the regions. meeting in September. based co-ordinator, setting up beginning to bite on the back But it was governed by a Even Softball New Zealand That is essentially a vote of SNZ general manager Dane their North American tours pockets of stalwarts of this national council comprising ❯❯ White Fern Sophie Devine (SNZ) president Hilton Earley no-confidence in current Dougan said yesterday that in 2011 and 2012. But he blue-collar sport. former international returned to New Zealand has cried foul and supported general manager Dane it was ‘‘a bit of a novel resigned in frustration this SNZ now has to send two softballers, elite-level coaches yesterday having been ruled the call for change. Dougan, a former New situation’’. year after discovering SNZ teams a year to world and experienced provincial out of the remainder of the Capil quit as board Zealand staff ‘‘The [SNZ] constitution is Rex Capil had not booked his travel and championships. Most travel administrators, people Rose Bowl series against chairman last week, citing member with no softball silent about board members accommodation for the tour on a user-pays basis, meaning steeped in the sport. Australia with a foot injury. work and family background. living overseas. and Ramblers to the national despite him turning down the best players are not Co-ordinated fundraising Devine suffered the injury to commitments. Nicky Sherriff, A growing disconnect has ‘‘The board will discuss that representative and club titles other international offers to always available. campaigns paid for national the peroneal tendon in her left a long-time board member, developed between SNZ and in due course.’’ and guiding the Junior White work with the Black Sox. Softball people toiling at teams to travel overseas and foot while bowling and did not was appointed acting its grassroots membership. Dougan said Bills took part in Sox to sixth place at the world At least the Black Sox don’t the club and association coal- an internal tours levy assisted play in the first ODI on chairwoman. The cries for change last Saturday’s board junior championships, Hokai have to pay to play. They are face acknowledge they also international and club teams Wednesday. Sherriff, a senior sports became a crescendo when meeting in Auckland via was shown the door and the only New Zealand softball need to lift their act and that to tour New Zealand and raise strategy official at Sport New SNZ revealed it had lost conference call. But he effectively replaced in team to enjoy continued High the game’s decline cannot be the profile of the game. Adams out Zealand is seen as a more $300,000 in funding from the confirmed SNZ had paid his Auckland by a man with no Performance Sport New solely sheeted home to SNZ. Softball needs to look conciliatory chairperson. New Zealand Community fare to Wellington for the softball background, Zealand funding. But the critics accuse SNZ forward but revert to some ❯❯ New Zealand’s Olympic shot SNZ’s critics are happy for Trust. special general meeting. shotputter Valerie Adams’ The White Sox had to of a lack of recruitment, proven past practices. More put champion Val Adams has her to continue in the role. That prompted a structure manager, Nick Cowan, who stump up $7000 or more to media or long-term funding use must be made of the missed out making the But there is still a strong review which led to 10 staff had joined SNZ early this play at the women’s world strategies. They are expert advice of former world shortlist for the Laureus world push for change at positions being reduced to six. coach. year as high-performance championships in Yukon in demanding a strategy sub- champion coaches Ed Dolejs, sportswoman of the year governance and management SNZ decided to dispense The review casualties also manager. Canada last July. committee be set up to come Mike Walsh and Don Tricker award. Adams, who won level. with its national pitching included New Zealand’s The relationship between Yet some still had to sleep up with a new five-year vision and Black Sox legend Mark Olympic gold in London and The backers of the special adviser, Debbie Mygind, a current Softballer of the Year, the five-time world champion five to a room and and a coach for the national game. Some Sorenson, especially when it was undefeated this year, was general meeting issued a decision which beggars belief Venita Hokai, coach of the Black Sox men’s national slept on a mattress on the change proponents, including comes to critical national announced as a nominee for document, Rebuilding Our when softball is so dependent Junior White Sox and the team – SNZ’s flagship side – is floor for the duration of the former elite players and ex- coaching appointments. the award last month but she Foundations, to outline their on effective pitching. It would Auckland women’s team. still recovering after the SNZ 10-day tournament. board members, are prepared A small sport like softball was not one of six athletes ideas for change. be tantamount to the All Within weeks of being board sacked former Black The White Sox finished to serve on the sub- needs people with a passion named yesterday as finalists. They want a ‘‘high-energy Blacks flicking their kicking hailed for coaching Auckland Sox manager Doug Golightly 13th – a record low. SNZ say committee. for the game in the key roles. Press reporters and agencies