Back in the swing

It's probably not expected that those involved in the traditional summer pastime be defrosting their cars before setting off, but that's exactly what the Belfast Northstars faced this morning as, bleary-eyed, they stepped back into the old routine...

With the Hornets on temporary sabbatical, the Stars have a new (or old) look to them this season, giving Sean Shackley a strong batting order and a glut of pitching in the shape of himself, Melvin Woods, Gord Cuthbert, Mark Smith and Colin Woods. With these established arms as well as new blood pushing through in Josh Cuthbert, Sean McMahon and Stephen Rogan, no doubt some juggling will occur in the first few games to give the Stars as many options as possible. As well as the veterans leading the charge, the Stars have been lucky to recruit talented rookies Michael McConville, Randy Cornwell and Gordon Lafferty to the squad. With Cornwell unavailable for today's matchups, Lafferty and McConville will be looking to establish themselves in the Belfast batting order.

In the Northstars' way today stand two teams the men in maroon havent squared off against in quite some time in the shape of the Shankill Black Sox and the Greystones Mariners. It seems a lifetime ago that the infamous 23 innings of baseball was played against the Black Sox that summer day (and evening) at Henry Jones' field. No doubt there has been some turnover of personnel since then, so today will be very much a new slate for all involved.

First pitch is scheduled for 11am at Shanganagh. #GoStars

Projected starters: Black Sox - LHP Melvin Woods, Mariners - RHP Colin Woods

RESULTS: GM1 - Northstars 15-6 Black Sox GM2 - Northstars 4-5 Mariners