Softball: Top catcher makes U-17 selection

Callum Carson

Vice-captain and catcher Callum Carson was the sole Hawke's Bay player to gain tournament team selection after the national under-17 boys' event ended in Hastings yesterday.

Maraenui Pumas premier men's player Carson, who was playing at his fourth under-17 nationals, was also named top catcher.

Coach of the third-placed Hawke's Bay team, Paul Woon, said he will take the blame for his captain, son and first string pitcher Adam Woon, who gained rest team selection, for not making the tournament team.

"Adam was among the top three pitchers after the first couple of days but I pushed him too much. However in saying that he stood up today," coach Woon said.

Woon jnr collected 13 strikeouts in the Bay's 2-1 win against North Harbour in the playoff for third, one more than the 12 he got during the 2-0 loss to Harbour on Friday.

Coach Woon said he will be on the hunt for another pitcher to back up his son when the bulk of the squad moves up to the under-19 ranks next summer.

"This will allow Tridan to concentrate on his specialist third base position," he said referring to second string pitcher Tridan McClutchie.

"On the whole I'm happy with our third placing. When you look at the numbers Auckland and Wellington have to pick from compared with our small town association, our boys did well."

Hawke's Bay lost 6-0 to winners Auckland and 12-2 to runners-up Wellington during the 12-team event.

Coach Woon was also happy with the contribution of his rookies.

One of them, designated player Sam Coldicutt, put down a sacrifice bunt which scored left outfielder Roger Paewai and this turned out to be the winning run in the playoff for third.

Auckland A infielder Cole Evans was named tournament MVP and top batter after his team beat Wellington 12-2 in the final. Auckland A hurler Seth Bourgeois deserved the top pitcher award.

The Hawke's Bay under-17 girls finished eighth at their nine-team Christchurch-hosted nationals yesterday.

In their second win, Hawke's Bay pipped Sydney Tigers 8-7 yesterday before losing 7-0 to Southland in the playoff for seventh.