Tony McClaren, 58 – David Field,52 -Warren Field, 61 – The Fossils Softball Team from Wellington
Friday 2 November
By Georgia Schampers
Australian and New Zealand rivalry is alive and well within this years’ Pan Pacific Masters Games with Kiwi softball team ‘The Fossils’ hoping to secure an elusive win against the Aussies.
Wellington’s Tony McClaren, 58, David Field, 52, and Warren Field, 61, have ventured across the Tasman with the team to the Pan Pacific Masters Games for the eighth time.
The men shared their love of playing against the Australian teams and that regardless of the end result, they’re here to have a good time and enjoy some quality softball.
“We have picked up silver quite a few times but just can’t get that gold, and although we are getting older, we will give it one hundred percent and if it happens it happens, if not, we’ll still have fun,” Warren said.
The three men, who have been a part of the same club since they were seven and eight years old, thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie the Games bring as well as the friendly competition, praising the organisers.
“It’s so well run, well organised, and there’s such great facilities and we love the good competition”, Tony said.
Catchers eye view of the opening game at Pizzey Park
David shared his thoughts about the friendly rivalry.
“We find that when we come over, if we have ‘New Zealand’ on our backs every Aussie team wants to beat us, it’s like bragging rights!” he said
“It’s all the more competitive but at the end of it we have a drink together,” Tony said.
The Fossils, who truly embody the ‘play it, live it, love it!’ tag line, along with 14 other teams will play in the men’s 35C division over the next week at Robina Common and Pizzey Park Sporting Complex.
