25 September 2007

 

The world number one Australian Under 19 Men’s team,Aussie Colts, is preparing for their tour of New Zealand where they will playin a Friendship style tournament before playing in a seven game test seriesagainst the New Zealand Under 19 Men’s team.

 

The team departs from Australia on 29 September, playing inthe Friendship Series from 30 September – 2 October followed by the testseries from 4-6 October 2007.

 

Seventeen members of the initial 30 member squad have beenselected to go head-to-head with New Zealand as the Aussie Colts start their2008 World Championship preparations.

 

“This series will help to further develop players andgive them international exposure in their preparations for the junior worldchampionship,” said John Neilsen, Head Coach.

 

The last time the two teams met was in July 2007 after theSoftball Australia Friendship Series held at Blacktown Olympic Park. The AussieColts just got over the line winning the five game test series three-two.

Neilsen is confident with the team that has been selectedwith six new inclusions to the team.

 

“We have changed the team around a little from when weplayed New Zealand last to give six players a chance for international gamesbefore the world championship team is selected after the Australian FastpitchChampionships in January,” added Neilsen.

 

The team has the pitching strength from Brad Riley, MattStafford and Tyson Duncan and from the batter’s box with Ty Priest andShaun Bostock.

 

“From this series, a team will be chosen to play inthe Canberra Skins, an A-grade club competition, in December to help the youngteam further develop their skills to remain in strong contention for anothertitle.” concluded Neilsen.

 

The 2008 ISF Junior World Championships will take place from21-29 June 2008 at Whitehorse in Canada where the Aussie Colts will be aimingfor their fourth consecutive title.

 

The 2007 Australian Under 19 Men’s team for the Tourof New Zealand consists of Craig Bingley (ACT), Shaun Bostock (NSW), TysonDuncan (WA), Travis Duroux (ACT), Tom Edwards (ACT), Drew Faulkner (Vic),Stephen Flux (Qld), Shaun Illingworth (WA), Aidan Kajan (NSW), Brendan Lamb(WA), Robert Maughan (WA), Ty Priest (Vic), Brad Riley (ACT), Rahim Rohizat(Tas), Sean Smith-Weaver (WA), Matt Stafford (ACT), Jason Tutt (ACT).