Howick & Pakuranga Times- 01 Dec, 2011

A Women's premier softball tournament, started in memory of a tireless supporter of the game, has been expanded due to its popularity.

Howick Softball Club will host the annual Bev Smith Memorial Tournament this weekend, which raises awareness and money for the Breast Cancer Research Trust.

In its third year, the tournament will be played over three days instead of its usual Sunday format.

Mrs Smith’s daughter, Michelle, says it’s “awesome” to see the tournament grow.

“It’s really cool to know so many teams think that much of her to make it a three-day tournament.”

The original six teams – Howick, Metro, Marist and Otahuhu, along with Saints and Johnsonville of Wellington – are all connected by Mrs Smith’s invaluable contribution to the clubs.

“Coaching, organising trips, treasurer, secretary – she was definitely known in softball,” says Michelle.

Waikato’s Melville and Mt Albert Ramblers have been added to the draw, which is split into two pools.

While the competition is fierce on the diamonds, the tournament also has its “poignant” moments, says Howick Softball Club secretary Barbara Croawell.

Before the final, 47 pink balloons are released to mark Mrs Smith’s age when she died in 2008. The teams surround the diamond for a minute’s silence for women affected by breast cancer.

Michelle then tosses the ceremonial first pitch.

“It’s a very poignant and touching moment to see the teams lined up on the diamond reflecting on what the tournament is about,” says Mrs Croawell.

“It’s an extremely worthwhile cause, not only because we have lost a valuable member and friend of our club through this devastating disease, but we see daily how it’s affecting so many women of all ages within our community.

“We feel that getting awareness of this disease out to young females within our community is paramount. By holding a tournament that raises money for this cause at the same time is something that we are really looking forward to,” says Mrs Croawell.

Michelle, who plays centre outfielder for Howick’s premier team, expects Saints, Otahuhu and newcomers Ramblers to be the toughest competition.

Howick is in good form following a third placing at the Doreen Hutchings Memorial Tournament, where Breanna Gibson was named top batter and Heidi Leathart most valuable player. However, there could be a few personnel changes for the weekend.

“We usually get a lot of girls, whose mums used to coach, come back to play to honour her,” says Michelle.

Play starts at 6.30pm on Friday for the Auckland clubs, before being joined by the visiting teams.

There are games across four diamonds on Saturday and play-offs are on Sunday. The balloons and first pitch ceremony is at 1pm, with the grand final at 3pm.