Christchurch, NZ - - FASTBALL 45 | National League Grand Finals
24 teams are down to 6 as the Regional Qualifiers have concluded and we head into this weekend’s FASTBALL 45 National League Grand Finals.
Male and female teams representing Northern, Central and Southern regions will converge at ELE Stadium from Friday to determine who will be crowned the inaugural FASTBALL 45 National League champions for 2020.
All 3 qualifiers have been a huge success, not only for the FASTBALL 45 product but softball itself.
Hosting associations have played their part, by pulling out all stops to muster volunteers, lure fans while delivery outstanding events.
The FASTBALL 45 concept continues to evolve with minor tweaks being made to rules and processes after each qualifying event. Softball NZ has not only gathered key learnings along the way but like all teams we have developed a greater understanding and appreciation of what FASTBALL 45 can offer the softball community at all levels.
We trust you will enjoy this weekend’s final finale and wish our FASTBALL 45 teams nothing but success.
Get down to the park and support your team or cheer them from the couch on Sky Sport 9!
RELEASES
 The Ins And Outs Of Softball NZ’s Electric Shortened Game - 09 Dec
Fastball 45 has returned this season and is bigger than ever thanks to three regional qualifiers ahead of this weekend’s National League finals in Auckland.
Thunder and Raiders Secure Places at Fastball 45 National League Finals - 06 Dec
The Wellington Thunder and the Hutt Valley Kotuku Raiders have secured the remaining spots of the FASTBALL 45 National League finals through convincing wins at the Central Regional Qualifier today.
Shakers Advance to the Final - 05 Dec
The Wellington Shakers have taken down the Te Awa Kairangi Rapids 8-2 in today’s only game of FASTBALL 45 at the Central Regional Qualifier.
Storm and Tuna Slayers Eliminated - 04 Dec
The Hutt Valley Kotuku Raiders are the first women’s team to secure a spot in Sundays FASTBALL 45 Central Regional Qualifier with a 7-6 win over the Wellington Storm.
Southern Teams Confirmed For National League Finals - 29 Nov
The Sporting Edge Halswell Hornets have taken out the FASTBALL 45 Southern Regional Women’s Qualifier with a comprehensive victory over Kaiapoi Queens 11-6 this afternoon.
Top Seeds Rout Opposition - 28 Nov
Day two of the FASTBALL 45 Southern Regional Qualifier saw the tops seeds take on the fourth at Mizuno Ballpark in Christchurch tonight.
PCU Teams Split in FASTBALL 45 Debut - 27 Nov
A damp and cold night provided the backdrop for the opening games of the FASTALL 45 Southern Regional Qualifier at Mizuno Ballpark in Christchurch tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmOPWXJn68U
Missed all the action? No problem! View highlights from the Regional Qualifiers on our YouTube channel.
This footage is also available on Sky Sport Now for those that have an account.
The FB45 initiative has been received well in Auckland and the regionally selected Men’s teams, a la, State of Origin, allowed teams to be selected evenly to create a competitive product and allow players to mingle with players from other clubs. As the Central Auckland Men's team we are likely the most inexperienced individually in the Finals however have some older heads and proven winners that we will need to lean on to be successful this weekend. Good luck to all.
– Nathan Nukunuku, Head Coach Central Auckland Bolts
This years concept for FASTBALL 45 has been great and I feel the Auckland players have all brought into the concept especially the way we selected our teams for the Northern conference. Going to be a tough task this weekend against the Central and Southern teams but we are looking forward to the challenge and just want to represent our region well for all the other teams from the North that missed out. Hopefully we get some good support from the locals and they all jump on the wave we have been riding since round one.
– Roman Gabriel, Head Coach West Waves
Civil Defence NZ has issued a tsunami warning for ELE Stadium this weekend! The West Waves are ready to welcome the champions from Central and Southern, and with all teams undefeated and carrying some of the most talented players in the country, expect everyone to make a splash. Get on the Wave Auckland, we are the North
– Rebecca Bromhead, Captain West Waves
What a fantastic new concept to our sport and awesome to see the teams & fans embracing the fast paced format. Our Papanui lads are really looking forward to the finals weekend ahead and representing the Southern region in what we expect to be some highly entertaining and close fought games against the Northern & Central sides
– Carl Mcilroy, Head Coach ELE Papanui Tigers
Blink and the game will be over!
One hit, one play can change the game.
NÄ te Kainga – It takes a village
- Hutt Valley Kotuku Raiders
