National softball competition opens this weekend
When played well it’s a beautiful game to watch…and chances are that fans will get their fill of good looks when Belize’s best female softballers compete over the next two days in Belize City. Patrick Jones has a preview.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
The diamond at Rogers Stadium will be the venue for high stakes softball drama this weekend. Eight teams, representing the Cayo, Stann Creek and Belize districts will compete for bragging rights to the top spot in Belizean softball.
Raymond Lashley, Manager, B.T.L.
“Last year we weren’t able to be there, and this year we have been going according to plan. We have constructed a strategy and we won the Belize City, and now we are going on towards the national. I think it’s fun, this is what it’s all about.”
While the girls will be having fun on the field at Rogers Stadium, Lashley says that ultimately it’s the hunger for the championship that will make the difference.
Raymond Lashley
“Well it’s the desire to win. What has happened that we were embarrassed last year having to sit in the stand and watch the teams play, and I think the girls are determined to justify the fact that they are the number one team in Belize City.”
Camalote Duurly’s Cristal is looking to repeat last year’s climb to the top, while Independence United and Team C.T.C., are seeking a return to their winning ways.
Greg Moguel, Manager, Team C.T.C.
“I think its time around now that C.T.C. steps up and take back the opportunity of being the national champions. We have the girls and we have the mechanics, and once they come out there with the positive mind, they can put it together and I cannot see the reason why we cannot walk away. The format and the way it is set and who will be playing, who we have a great chance of being there.”
While the Belize City teams are confident of their chances in the competition, both managers say they can’t count out the teams from Cayo and Stann Creek. The Grace Kennedy team from Roaring Creek has always played exceptional softball at the national level, but has only the runner up trophy to show for it two years running. In the case of Belize Rural, Starlight of Hattieville and Sunrise of Lord’s Bank have always made good showings, but when it comes to money time, any team can score the winning run.
Raymond Lashley
“What we will do is use exactly what got us there. We play fundamental softball, we don’t do anything flashy, we are not a very flashy team, we just do what we have to do. We get outs when we can get them, you won’t see anything spectacular, but we play fundamental a game.”
Greg Moguel
“Our appearance in the nationals, there is no big changes as far as I am concerned. Yes, we went down a bit shady in our local competition, but now we’re back with one of our other players, who we feel will give tremendous and great support in a part of our line-up. And so we feel that we will definitely be on top or be at the top line in the payoff.”
While the desire to win the national championship will drive the players to the top of their game, international training for coaches and officials, along with updated rules, are likely to also be a big factor in the competition.
Raymond Lashley
“Well we would like to go to Guatemala and we would like to defend the jewel and ensure that we medal out in this competition. The first time we played we medalled there and we figure that if we go out there again we can do it again.”
“I think what you will find this year is the standard of play will be very much higher because most of the coaches have been fortunate to be trained by international coaches from abroad. So I think this will probably be reflected in the girls performance over the weekend.”
The competition ends on Sunday night when the new champion will be crowned. Patrick Jones, for News 5.
Two games will be played tonight with the official opening at nine-thirty Saturday morning. Eight Belizeans will be honoured with honorary life memberships in the Belize Softball Federation. They are Linda Reyes, Gilda August, Sonia Buller-Davis, Lennox Cattouse, Raymond Garbutt, Pat Bennett, Dalton Franklin and Edward Major.
