Lower grades get shot at top | Rotorua Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Rotorua

Tomorrow's knockout softball tournament will provide Rotorua's premier two softball teams with the chance to pit their skills against their premier one counterparts.

Rotorua Softball Association general manager Roseann Natana said the Lion Red-sponsored tournament at the International Stadium would be the only opportunity premier two teams would have at going head-to-head against premier one teams this season.

"This is a great chance for these guys to show their competitive side, step up to the mark and mix it with the best in the competition," Natana said.

"The way the draw has been developed also pits the top of both grades against each other in the opening round, so it will be interesting.

"Also, being a knock out tournament, it means it will be difficult to predict - allowing the best performed team on the day to win."

At 9am on Diamond six, top of the P1 women's table Waiohau Blazers take on their P2 counterparts Shooters, while at 10.30am on D1 Waiohau One meet Shotz.

MSM Magic, who suffered their first loss of the season last Saturday following a 2-1 battle with Waiohau One, will meet Whaka Black in their opening game, while Fordlands will take on the Buzzards on diamond four.

* The Lion Red Knock Out tournament begins with games at 9am and 10.30am. Cross-over games will be played at 12.30pm and 2pm, while the finals will be played at 3.30pm. Up for grabs is the tournament trophy, as well as a number of spot prizes.