News
2025 John Ried Shield | Open Men's Nationals
Published Mon 03 Mar 2025
This week the NSW Open Men begin the competition for the John Reid Shield. Having finished runners-up last year, the team is looking to fight their way to the finals and claim the shield. With plenty of new faces as well as new officials the team will be feeling confident to have he best team possible.
Newly appointed Head Coach Lee Williams let us know how the team has been going so far:
"Our players have worked tirelessly, combining passion with professionalism and a strong sense of accountability. We're thrilled for the chance to compete against the best, confident in our preparation and excited to leave our mark on the tournament”
Wayne Warren, Assistant Coach:
“I couldn't be prouder of how hard these guys have worked. We've got strong pitching, solid defence, and know how to get the job done at the plate. Looking forward to seeing them compete against the best."
James Todhunter, Captain:
"The NSW Men's team is very optimistic about the week ahead. Everyone loves winning, and the goal is to have that John Reid Shield back in our possession come 5pm Sunday. We've got a lot of homegrown talent in this team and I know the boys are excited to challenge themselves against some of the best in the world. We are privileged to have one of the best, if not the best National Championships across the world in Australia and our group of men are ready to compete and come the pointy end we'll be there."
Zane Van Lieshout, Vice Captain:
“The boys are excited of the challenge ahead to reclaim the John Reid Shield. We are determined to play as a team and enjoy the moments with one another.”
Peter Wards, Vice Captain:
“The team is ready and eager to head down to Canberra. The calibre of competition this year is high, and we’re prepared to mix it with the world's best.
This year, we have a great mix of veterans and younger players—it’s fantastic to see the next generation starting to make their mark.
It’s always an honour and a privilege to wear the Waratah, and I can’t wait to get started.
A huge thank you, as always, to the Softball NSW community for your support. We’d love to see a few familiar faces make the trek down the Hume!”
Check out our Open Men’s team travelling to Canberra:
Callum Beashel |
Georges River |
Jack Besgrove |
Southern Districts |
Joel Byrne |
Softball Macarthur |
Ben Cashen |
Cumberland Nepean |
Thomas Cass |
Southern Districts |
James Darby |
Softball Macarthur |
Ethan Field |
Southern Districts |
Jarred Garland |
Penrith City |
Jeremey Garland |
Penrith City |
Lachlan Hort |
Softball Macarthur |
Blake Jackson |
Southern Districts |
Ryan King |
Softball Macarthur |
Stuart Perry |
Georges River |
James Todhunter |
Softball Macarthur |
Zane Van Lieshout |
Penrith City |
Peter Wards |
Softball Macarthur |
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Head Coach: |
Lee Williams |
Assistant Coach: |
Geoff Lowe |
Assistant Coach: |
Wayne Warren |
Manager: |
Lesley Darby |
Statistician: |
Sandra Palmer |
Bat Person: |
Jackson Beashel |