From Softball New Zealand
Black Sox Squad Named for Aussie Tour
Father and son named for Black Sox
NORTH Harbour’s Pita Rona will have extra incentive to perform at his best in this month’s Black Sox tour to Canberra.
Rona – a 17-year-old student in Year 12 at Glenfield College – will have his father Brad watching every move he makes from within the team.
Brad – the 35-year-old celebrated player at club, provincial and international level – has been named in the Black Sox to set up a rare father-son double-act in international sport.
Ironically this is the second time the pair has been named in the Black Sox but the first time they will tour together.
Both Ronas were named for this year’s North American Tour but Brad had to pull out following a knee injury.
Head coach Eddie Kohlhase is looking to both men to reinforce their claims for inclusion in the squad for the 2013 World Championships to be held at Albany’s Rosedale Park from March 1-10.
“It’s a good story to have a father and son in the squad and they are there on merit.
“But there’s no promises come the World Champs. There’s still a lot of work to be done on and off-the-diamond by all the players.”
While Kohlhase has put all the Black Sox players on notice saying “there are no guarantees for anyone” he is gradually fine-tuning the squad to hit a peak for the World Championships.
“We will name a squad this time next year so there’s still time for players to play themselves out or play themselves into the team.
“Obviously we have an idea of who we want and what style of game we want to play but with so much at stake we want to have as much depth as we can,” he said.
Talented Auckland player 18-year- old Ben Bull is included in the side and along with Jerome Raemaki and the young Rona he will give the side a youthful look.
Kohlhase makes no apologies for introducing the young players.
“Our game has a great history of bringing through exciting young players – we are no different. These young guys give the team an edge.”
The squad also sees the return of the talented catcher Aaron Neemia and the battle-hardened pitcher Regan Manley.
“Both men deserve their place in the squad,” said Kohlhase.
“They have both addressed significant issues in their lives and we see them as vital parts of the Black Sox team.
“Aaron is regarded as one of the premier catchers we have got while Regan continues to impress as a pitcher of high quality.”
Frank Pointon also returns to the mound to establish a formidable pitching roster featuring the Hutt Valley’s Shaun Jamieson and Manley.
The inclusion of Canterbury veteran Daniel Milne as a catcher also excites Kohlhase.
“There’s no secret we don’t have too many quality catchers so seeing Daniel front up in that role shows the calibre of the bloke.
“He is undoubtedly one of our most professional players and that’s the attitude we want.”
The team will be lead by Hutt Valley’s Rhys Casley.
The Black Sox will take part in the high intensity Skins tournament against the best teams Australia has to offer plus the Samoan international team.
For the rules of the tournament and the draw go www.softball.org.nz
The squad departs for Sydney on Tuesday November 29 and returns on Monday December 5.
The squad is:
Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley) Captain
Brad Rona (North Harbour) Vice-captain
Pitchers:
Regan Manley (Hawkes Bay)
Frank Pointon (Wellington)
Shaun Jamieson (Hutt Valley)
Catchers:
Aaron Neemia (Wellington)
Daniel Milne (Canterbury)
Outfield:
Wayne Laulu (Wellington)
Ben Enoka (Auckland)
Jerome Raemaki (Wellington)
Campbell Makea (Wellington)
Jerome Haretuku (Auckland)
Infield:
Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley)
Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury)
Pita Rona (North Harbour)
Ben Bull (Auckland)
Designated player:
Patrick Shannon (Auckland)
Management:
Coach; Eddie Kohlhase
Assistant-Coach; Dave Workman
Physiotherapist; Rob Cashman
Manager: Doug Golightly