Three days into their Oceania Cup preparation in Auckland, Manager Jon Deeble has wasted no time in getting his team ready for the four-day event starting Friday 23rd.
“The first practise was very sharp, a three hour session filled with great energy and no mistakes” said Deeble.
Day one in camp the team received a visit from baseball legend and former big leaguer Jim Colborn. A right-handed pitcher who played in the Majors from 1969-1978 for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners. It was an opportunity for the team to receive tips and pointers from a player who has had the chance to play for Major League Baseball.
Day two the focus was firmly on field, taking lots of ground balls, infield/outfield cut-offs, relays and bunting. Manager Deeble explained they are continuing to raise expectations of how the team plays, and as a result the team has demanded more of themselves.
“We had a chat with the boys about practising how they play, how to keep the tempo up whenever they are on the field and how important it is to minimise mistakes. Each practise and game should be played as if it was the 7th game of the World Series,” said Deeble.
Looking to tomorrows first day of play, the coaching staff believe the team are ready to go, but will have to be on their game with the double-header format and an improved New Zealand side.
In the triple round robin format, Australia will play New Zealand first at 1:00pm NZDT Friday (11:00am AEDT), followed by a game against Guam at 3:30pm NZDT (1:30pm AEDT).
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