It was going to take something severe to wipe the smile from the face of Softball Hawke's Bay life member Tom Makea snr this week.

The 10-time national title-winning coach and father of three Black Sox players - three-time world champion Thomas, Fabian and Campbell - learned his grandson Dante Matakatea had been selected in the New Zealand Development team to play in the Friendship Games in Sydney next month.

Fifteen-year-old infielder Matakatea is the oldest son of Thomas. This year he played for the national title-winning Wellington under-19s coached by his grandfather, the Wellington under-15s coached by his father, who finished second at the North Island tournament, and the Wellington under-17s.

"It was a special moment when Magic gave me the call ... the smile has been there ever since," said Makea, referring to the New Zealand Development side's assistant coach, Mel England, of Hawke's Bay.

The national side will have a training camp in Hawke's Bay this weekend which will end with a game against a Hawke's Bay Selection at Akina Park, Hastings, tomorrow.

Maraenui Pumas pitcher Horowai Puketapu is the sole Hawke's Bay representative in the NZ team. Some strong performances could see him selected for the Junior Black Sox side to play at the Junior World Series in Argentina next year.

Most of the national squad have been selected with the aim of being contenders for the 2014 Junior World Series team.

 

They will face experienced opposition tomorrow with the likes of 2008 Junior Black Sox rep Jovaan Hanley, Black Sox extended squad member Josh Gettins, national title-winning Hawke's Bay pitcher Tamihana Hokianga and former Junior Black Sox extended squad member Karaitiana Aranui in the Bay team.

Auckland-based Cullum Fleet and Reubun Munroe, who missed selection in the national side, are playing for the Hawke's Bay Selection.

Teams for the 4.30pm game:

Hawke's Bay Selection: Luke Woon, Hoani Crawford, Jovaan Hanley, Reubun Munroe, Phillip Te Nahu, Ryan Mudd, Cody Tamati, Devontae Roberts, Jacob Zurcher, Mace Price, Tamihana Hokianga, Cullum Fleet, Karaitiana Aranui, Josh Gettins.

New Zealand Development: Peter Jay Dando, Cameron Bearman, Eruera Drage, Khalid Gilbert, Vincent Harris, Taylor Hicks, Ethan Johnston, Josh Kahukura, Tailah Love, Taylor Nau, Regan O'Neill, Connor Peden, Horowai Puketapu, Braddley Bennett, Dante Matakatea.

FULL STORY   from Hawke's Bay Today