Building momentum
With a couple of weeks off coming up, the Belfast Angels were looking to make a statement on a sunny evening at Henry Jones' field against one half of the Belfast Softball Club.
And that they did.
With the next opponents on the schedule (and the other half of the BSC) watching on, the Brawlers were witness to an impressive outburst of power and speed.
With the Aces' pitcher battling control issues early on, the Angels were happy to take first base by walk or hit. First baseman Melvin Woods however, knew exactly what he intended as soon as he stepped in – a powerful strike to right field helped the Halos to a 9-0 lead by the time the first three outs were recorded.
Wanting to prove to Softball Ulster that they will be as competent in the field as they are at the plate, the visitors quickly shut down the Aces bats, only allowing four runs to plate by the middle of the third. By that time however, the lead had been pushed out to 17-4.
A few errors in the field did allow the Aces to threaten a comeback but each time they did the defence would rise to the occasion, especially Sinead Shackley proving to be a rock at second base.
Craven and Slevin were able to empty their bench in the fifth, bringing in Chris Shields, Shane Hanna and Colin Woods to the fray. The latter didnt wait long to send one to deep left field, giving him plenty of time to touch them all.
Moving into the last inning with a 22 run lead, the Aces showed their own fightback, taking advantage of another few errors in the field. The gap however was simply too vast for any extended comeback and the game finished with the Belfast Angels 28-9 to the good.
Next up for the Angels is the Teddy Bear's Picnic blitz to be held at Strandtown Primary School in what is set to be a busy weekend for the BASA. What is certain however is that strong opposition awaits on 30th May – the Brawlers will be waiting.
