Rona, Pat and Heine Shannon, Casley and Enoka Only Returnees from 2009 ISF Squad
From New Zealand Xtra Sport Yahoo.com
Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase has named a new-look team for the men’s fastpitch softball international series at Canberra next week.
Just five players — Rhys Casley, who will captain the team, Brad Rona, Pat Shannon, Heinie Shannon and Ben Enoka — remain from the team which lost to Australia in the world championship final last year.
“We are in a development phase of a new campaign,” Kohlhase said.
“While some regulars have missed selection for this tour we have a group of 40 identified squad members who are all committed to the goal of raising the bar to ensure the Black Sox keep evolving.”
Kohlhase has also recalled Thomas Cameron, Tyson Byrne, Bernard Hale and Wayne Laulu, who have all had time in the Black Sox team in the past four years.
The newcomers to the side are Te Wera Bishop, Shaun Jamieson, Aaron Kuru, Joel Evans, Bobby King, Dan Tarapi, Campbell Makea and Jerome Heretuku.
Of those eight players, the biggest surprise is perhaps the inclusion of the 17-year-old Bishop, who will be the back-up catcher to Pat Shannon.
The series, which also involves Australia Green, Australia Gold and Argentina, is an opportunity for the Wellington youngster to learn from the experienced Shannon.
Black Sox squad:-
Pitchers: Heinie Shannon, Shaun Jamieson, Thomas Cameron.
Catchers: Te Wera Bishop, Pat Shannon.
Infielders: Tyson Byrne, Rhys Casley (captain), Brad Rona, Aaron Kuru, Joel Evans, Bobby King.
Outfielders: Bernard Hale, Ben Enoka, Wayne Laulu, Dan Tarapi, Jerome Heretuku, Campbell Makea.
Match schedule:-
Dec 8 – Australia Gold v Australia Green, Argentina v New Zealand, Australia Green v Argentina, New Zealand v Australia Gold
Dec 9 – New Zealand v Australia Green, Australia Gold v Argentina, Australia Green v Australia Gold, New Zealand v Argentina
Dec 10 – Australia Green v New Zealand, Argentina v Australia Gold, Argentina v Australia Green, Australia Gold v New Zealand. Playoffs.