In 1949, the Regular Force Cadet School softball team, based at Trentham camp and coached by Sergeant Maurice Bull (RNZAOC), were entered into the Hutt Valley competition. Sixty years later, in November 2009, the Inter-Regional Softball Tournament was held in Trentham, the birth place of softball in the Army.

The Trentham Camp groundsman, Ewen Sutherland, and his dedicated team, painstakingly manicured Davis Field into Yankee Stadium in preparation for three days of softball competition.

The tournament was opened by WO2 Dean Groves the tournament IC at the Messines Army Centre. WO2 Groves thanked the Regional representatives and personnel who did an outstanding job to get full teams to Trentham. The tournament also welcomed back, long serving umpires and scorers who continually give up their own free time to support this fantastic Army softball tournament.

The format for the tournament saw 3 men's teams (Northern, Central and Southern) and 2 women's teams (Southern and Northern/Central combined), compete over 3 days.

On day one of the tournament, the Northern women's team, strengthened by a handful of Central players, suffered a heavy defeat against the might of the Southern team. The following day, Southern's pitcher and catcher were loaned to Northern, for their second game. This time, Northern reversed the result with a big win against Southern. The final women's game of the tournament saw the reformed Southern team take it to the tournament hosts Northern. With superb hitting and sound pitching, Southern women comfortably took the title, yet again.

The powerful Northern men's team, stacked with current and former Army players, ploughed their way through the opposition during round robin play. This dominating form advanced Northern straight into the final.

Last years champions, Central, faced up against Southern in the playoff game. The winner would continue in the tournament, but the loser their tournament would be over. The playoff game did not disappoint and was dubbed the game of the tournament. Central were victorious over Southern by one run and as a result, advanced to the penultimate game.

The tournament final, burst into life in the first inning as Central took an early lead over the stunned Northerners. The lead changed hands after Northern's first turn at bat, but Central never gave up and produced more runs and had looked to have sealed the deal. A late run by Northern saw the team score a couple of runs in the final inning of the game, giving them the win by a single run.

At the tournament's prize giving, the tournament champions were crowned and the individual awards presented by the chairman of Army Sport LT COL Bob Bulman.

View some of the action shots.

The following players were recipients of individual tournament trophies:

Women's competition

Most Runs Batted In (RBI's)	Virginia Nui (Southern)
Top Pitcher	Jenni Mumm (Southern)
Top Batter	Virginia Nui (Southern)
MVP	Jenni Mumm (Southern)
Sportsmanship Trophy	Northern/Central combined
Rookie of the Tournament	Kadion McDonald (Southern)

On right: LCPL Jenni Mumm (Southern) holding the 2009 Army Inter-Regional Softball Tournament Women's MVP and Top Pitcher trophies that she was awarded (OH-10-0193-010).

Men's competition

Most Runs Batted In (RBI's)	Trevor King (Northern)
Top Pitcher	Raharuhi Koia (Central)
Top Batter	Trevor King (Northern)
MVP	Trevor King (Northern)
Rookie of the Tournament	Andrew Lawson (Central)

The prize giving formalities were capped off with a special presentation to outgoing code chairman, CAPT Grant McCarroll. CAPT McCarroll has held the code chairman's position since April 2004. His sound softball background, leadership and commitment to Army and NZDF softball over that time are some of the reasons why CAPT McCarroll was a recipient of the NZDF Colour in March 2009.

Two strong and experienced Army teams were selected that will travel to RNZAF Base Whenuapai, Auckland for the 2009/10 Inter-Services Softball Tournament from 30 November to 4 December 09. Both teams are defending Inter-Service champions and the men's team are, this year, aiming for a rare three peat.

The tournament IC would like to thank his organising committee, CAPT McCarroll, SSGT Dodd and WO1 Waiariki for their efforts prior to and during the tournament.

The tournament committee wish to thank to the Commanding Officer of TRSB LT COL Piercy and his logistics staff who supported the tournament and helped to make it a huge success.

A special thank you goes out to the tournament umpires and scorers who continue to support our tournament and without their involvement; the tournament would not have been a success. Yours in Army softball.

The Inter-Regional Softball Tournament was the prelude to the 60th Anniversary of Army softball reunion that was held over 6 and 7 November 2009 in Trentham and the Upper Hutt Area.

The 2010 Army Inter-Regional Softball Tournament is scheduled to be hosted by Linton Military Camp in November 2010.

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