Gaunt takes giant step to junior worlds

Giants catcher Campbell Gaunt has taken a major step towards making the Junior Black Sox team to contest this year's under-19 world series in Parana, Argentina. Gaunt, 16, was one of 30 players named in an initial training squad. He made the cut when they were reduced to just 17 to contest the Friendship Series in Sydney in July against Australian state sides, followed by a seven-match test series against the Australian national side.
The reduced squad was named after a training camp in Hawke's Bay at which Gaunt, a Year 12 pupil at Wairarapa College, was one of three specialist catchers.
His inclusion is seen by Giants pitcher Richard Clarke as a sure sign that Gaunt, who has repped for Hutt Valley at various age group levels, is strongly in the reckoning for world series selection.
''Making the 17 has to be a big step in the right direction. He has obviously impressed the right people up until now,'' Clarke said. He added that Gaunt's batting skills gave him a sound second string to his bow. ''He's very solid all-round and he's got the competitive attitude to go with it.''
With softball not being a professional sport, Gaunt needs to raise $2000 for his Australian trip. This will partly be achieved through a raffle confined to 20 tickets costing $100 each. There will be one major prize of $1000, with the draw being made on May 14.