Nelson softballers Josh Kelly and Caleb Delany don’t want to just make up the numbers.
They’re both dead set on starting roles when the New Zealand Emerging Sox team contests next month’s International Friendship Series in Australia.
The two 16-year-old Stoke Eagles and Waimea College team-mates were named in the New Zealand team following Waimea’s superb efforts as runners up after a 4-3 loss to Auckland powerhouse Mt Albert Grammar School in the final of this year’s New Zealand secondary schools championships in Hastings.
Kelly’s stunning form in Hastings earned him, not only the tournament MVP award, but also best pitcher and best batter after Waimea College reached the final for the first time in the school’s history. Delany was named best catcher, with both also named in the tournament team alongside team-mates Mardi McBride and Josh Grant.
The five-day Friendship tournament (for both boys and girls) starts at the Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney on July 4, with New Zealand one of seven teams in the boys’ draw, including Australia Gold and last year’s champions, Australia Green.