Kiwi lifts softball umpiring standards

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National – Thursday, December 16, 2010

By EKONIA PENI
SOFTBALL umpiring is destined to improve in Port Moresby men’s softball with the presence of former New Zealand softball player, and currently an umpire and scorer.
He is 38-year-old Graeme Love who recently took up employment with G4S Secure Solutions (PNG) Ltd.
He is accompanied by his wife Angela (36), children Joshua (16) and Cayden (10).
Love’s experience in the game of softball has become a blessing to Port Moresby softball and he would significantly lift to the development of the game in the areas of umpiring and scoring.
Love played softball since he was 10 years old and has played representative provincial level softball in New Zealand including the New Zealand army team from 1994-98.
He has coached at all levels of softball in New Zealand and is a recognised level 4 New Zealand scorer and a level 4 New Zealand umpire.
Last Sunday, Love was the plate umpire in the main match between United Brothers and PNG Power and introduced a different class of umpiring appreciated by spectators.
He was assisted Love during the match by national umpire Peter Chalapan who made calls at first base and John Keleu from Lae, who was in Port Moresby last weekend and was lucky enough to be called up to assist.
Brothers defeated PNG Power 4-2 to secure top placing on the competition ladder.
Although the men’s softball competition will break for the festive season after this weekend,  Love is sure to pass on his umpiring and scoring knowledge to many more technical officials during the season.
He could also be of assistance during the National Softball Championships in Goroka next Easter.