Top softballers on Albany diamond

February 24, 2016

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ORIGINAL STORY

The Junior Black Sox headline the North Harbour Softball's Dean Schick Memorial Tournament to be played at AWF Stadium in Albany.

Coached by softball legends Thomas Makea and Jarrad Martin the team will be using the tournament to build combinations leading up to their world championship title bid later in the year.

Northcote's Kaleb Rona has made the junior's squad and the 6.30pm game on Saturday night will feature son versus father.

Kaleb's dad is three-time world champion infielder Brad and he leads a Northcote team looking to make the top playoff section for the first time since 2009.

A number of current and former Black Sox are amongst the rest of the teams competing this weekend.

Ramblers and Marist complete the Section A teams.

Ramblers are led by Black Sox captain Nathan Nukunuku and Sox catcher Connor Peden. Marist are coached by Eddie Kohlhase who will return to the venue where he coached New Zealand to victory in 2013. He is assisted by Taifau Matai who roamed the outfield for New Zealand for many years.

Section B consists of defending champions PCU from Christchurch, Auckland United, Waitakere Bears and local club Roosters.

United's roster has the three Enoka brothers who are part of the current Black Sox training squad.

Roosters are coached by North Harbour stalwart Danny Knight and won the tournament in 2014.

Bears are spearheaded on the pitching mound by former Northcote player and current Sox squad member Eruera Drage.

Games begin on Friday at 7pm, 10am on Saturday with the playoffs starting on Sunday at 9am. The final is at 2pm on Sunday.

 - Stuff