ITALIAN OLYMPIAN ILARIA PINO PLAY TO ACT DIAMONDS
Gilley`s Shield ready to sizzle in Perth
26 October 2012
Round 1 of the Gilley’s Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield starts at Mirrabooka International Softball Stadium today with action a plenty. Teams from ACT, NSW, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and local team WA Flames will compete for the 2012/2013 Gilley’s Shield. NZ Women’s Selection team joins the competition to compete for the Edebone-Weber Shield. This weekend is the first of four rounds in 2012/2013 will all eyes on whether NSW Firestars can repeat their historic double of winning both the Edebone-Weber and Gilley’s Shield titles.
NSW Firestars will be without several players from their winning team last year, without Zara Mee, Karina Cannon and Amanda Gooden missing from this year squad. The biggest omission to the Round 1 team is the unavailability of Captain, Stacey Porter who has just returned from overseas commitments. Without Porter and Mee in the lineup, Head Coach will rely on Lana Tye, Sally Ward and the 2011 Rookie of the Year, Michelle Edgtton. Aussie Pride member, Jess Meyer makes her debut at the Gilley’s Shield this year for the Firestars with big expectations.
ACT Diamonds will be strong contenders this year again with much the same line up as last season. The biggest notable absence in the line up for ACT will be the loss of Tracey Mosely who is playing for Victoria Titans this year. New Head Coach, Vicky Bingley will look to Aussie Spirit members Clare Warwick, Aimee Murch and Brenda De Blaes to spearhead the expected strong performance of the Diamonds again this year. Italian Olympian, Ilaria Pino, adds strength to the lineup for ACT Diamonds and will no doubt contribute in the box for the ACT team. Success for the ACT Diamonds will require another team effort.
Qld Heat will look to improve performance in this year’s competition. Coach Fabian Barlow will rely on good consistent performance by Aussie Spirit players, Jodie Bowering and Melinda Weaver. Jade Wall returns from shoulder surgery to give power in the hitting lineup. Qld Heat have picked up the services of American shortstop, Hailey Wiginton who will play alongside 3rd base and power hitter, Stacey Webber. The Qld Heat team certainly will want a good start to the tournament this year to place them in a good position for success.
SA Starz will look to improve again this year after a breakthrough year in 2011/2012. Lead by Aussie Spirit battery, Vanessa Stokes and Belinda White, and the addition of Taylah Tsitsikronis, Head Coach Annie Fidge looks to improve on last year’s 5th placing. Consistency will be the key for the SA Starz across the four rounds to give them a chance to make finals this year.
Victoria Titans has the biggest challenge on their hands this year. After the loss of key players, Natalie Titcume, Jess Bahn and the unavailability of Justine Smethurst for the first two rounds, this will be a tough road for Victoria this year. However Coach Nigel Mackey will be new energy into the young Titans outfit and will hope that this will spark the lineup. Senior players Sarah Tutchener, Kym Tollenaere, Lauren Daykin, Jackie Di Siervi and Stacey Bulger will need to be at their best at all times. AIS Squad Member, Marina Walker will have to be solid in defense and lead by example as well as spark the Titans lineup in offense as the lead off hitter.
WA Flames at home for the first round will look to get back to the form of two years ago when they won back to back Gilley's Shield titles. Full of players that have the ability to change the game with the swing of a bat, Head Coach, Shane Hughes will have to make the tough decisions. Aussie Spirit players, Leigh Godfrey, Chelsea Forkin, Verity Long-Droppert will lead the charge, however key performances will come from Leah Parry and Amber Johnston who are both returning after a year off last year to have children. Dutch International, Saskia Kosterink will add experience, speed and power into the line up. Notable absenses from the Round 1 is Jodie Stevenson and Christina Kreppold. Watch out for WA Flames this year, editors pick as the team to beat.
WA Flames at home for the first round will look to get back to the form of two years ago when they won back to back Gilley's Shield titles. Full of players that have the ability to change the game with the swing of a bat, Head Coach, Shane Hughes will have to make the tough decisions. Aussie Spirit players, Leigh Godfrey, Chelsea Forkin, Verity Long-Droppert will lead the charge, however key performances will come from Leah Parry and Amber Johnston who are both returning after a year off last year to have children. Dutch International, Saskia Kosterink will add experience, speed and power into the line up. Notable absenses from the Round 1 is Jodie Stevenson and Christina Kreppold. Watch out for WA Flames this year, editors pick as the team to beat.
The rounds of the Gilley’s Shield are spread across four states over four months. The following are details of each round:
Round 1 – Perth – 26-28 October 2012 – Mirrabooka International Softball Stadium
Round 2 – Adelaide – 23 – 25 November 2012 – Adelaide
Round 3 – Blacktown – 2-6 January 2013 – Blacktown International Sports Park
Round 4 – Melbourne – 31 January – 2 February 2012 – Jells Park
For more information go to the Softball Australia website.
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