Softball: Team announced for Australian series

A new-look NZ men's team were named yesterday for next month's test series against Australia in Canberra.

Three new caps are included in the 17-man squad, who include features just seven members of the world championship-winning Black Sox team. Seven players with previous international experience have been recalled to help compensate for the loss through retirement of stalwarts Mark Sorenson, Dean Rice and Kere Johansen.

World championship winners Dion Nukunuku, Brad Rona and Taifau Matai were also unavailable for the four-test series.

Pitchers: Marty Grant (Wellington), Derrek Coleman (North Harbour), Michael Gaiger (Auckland); catchers: Bevan martin (Wellington), Lance Abbot (Hutt Valley), Patrick Shannon (Auckland); infield: Jarrad Martin (Wellington, captain), Clayton Wilcox (Wellington), Nathan Nukunuku (Auckland), Daniel Milne (Canterbury), Roman Gabriel (Auckland), Gene Lutton (Wellington); outfield: Donny Hale (Auckland), Stacy McLean (Wellington), Gareth Cook (Canterbury), Fabian Makea (Wellington), Thomas Makea (Wellington).

NZ Team for junior World Series, Sydney.-

Pitchers: Shaun Marino (Hutt Valley), Frank Pointon (Wellington). Catchers: Grant Dean (Auckland), Aaron Neemia (Wellington). Infielders: Feagaiga Feagaiga (Horowhenua), Haizley Martin (Wellington), Steve McFarlane (Canterbury), Kahtuia Mitchell (Hawkes Bay), Lawrence Naera (Auckland), Michael Niu (Auckland), Carlaus Te Kawa (Auckland), Chris Telfer (Southland). Outfield: Shaun Jamieson (Wellington), Glen Maroney (Canterbury), Steven Outwin (Auckland), Jackson Popata (Auckland), William Raston (Horowhenua).