Angels fall to Cubs in the last

It was always going to be a tough ask to go to Strandtown to take on a free swinging Belfast Cubs offence and with only nine players it was set to be an even tougher task.

Things didn't start well for the visitors, the first three batters being dispatched quickly by the Cubs which then jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first.

Vicky Thompson would jumpstart the Angels offence in the second and coming round to the top of the order, they would find themselves 5-2 to the good. Unwilling to let the visitors get too far ahead, the Cubs would pull the score level once more.

Wanting to prove they're more than simply big hitters, the Angels defence began to turn the screw, Colin and Melvin Woods combining for the first of their two double plays on the day and Chris Shields showing range in the Angels three man outfield. Inspired by the defensive effort, the visitors would stretch out to 9-5 in the bottom of the fourth inning but once more the Cubs responded cutting back into the Angels lead, 9-8.

After more solid defence, the Angels added another four runs, included two generated from a blast by Melvin Woods. After another double play from the Woods brothers and a one run blast from Colin Woods, the lead became 14-8.

Resolutely defending their home ground however, the Cubs charged back once more to take the game into the seventh inning 14-11. The visitors could only add one more run in the top of the seventh in the form of another round tripper by Melvin Woods and after an unassisted double play by Sinead Shackley in the bottom of the seventh, it seemed that the game was about done.

This Cubs team however, went on to serve notice that they have plenty of fight in them, clawing the lead back, running out every ground ball and, with Christopher Barr ready to pounce from third base, the base on balls walk that was given not only scored the tying run but also the walk-off winner. 16-15 the final score on a sunny Sunday.

A relatively low scoring affair in this years Softball Ulster league but plenty of respect shown on each side.

Next up for the Angels is a home tilt against the Aces of the Belfast Softball Club at Hydebank on Sunday. First pitch 2pm.