Maximum Effort
All hands to the pump for the members of the Belfast American Sports Association this weekend, with a full slate of games from Saturday morning to Monday evening.
Leading off, an early start for Sean Shackley and his Northstars (10-2) as they travel south-west to Peace-Link Park in Clones to take on the Cavan Comets (11am, 2pm). Already having welcomed the Comets to Hydebank, the Stars are already 2-0 in a season series that has been punctuated by Stephen Hunter's first home run, an expertly placed and timed bunt by Josh Cuthbert and a breakout performance by Kevin O'Hare.
The first game saw a quality start by righthander Colin Woods in a 13-3 win and the second showcased the depth of the Northstars pitching staff with Mark Smith, Gord Cuthbert and Melvin Woods all dovetailing to give the Belfast side a much harder fought 13-8 victory. Always a dangerous side, the Comets will not be underestimated.
On Sunday afternoon and Monday evening, the Belfast Angels (2-4) will be matching up against the Belfast Sliders looking to improve on their record in the league on Sunday at Hydebank (2pm) and to advance in the CT Cup on Monday at Newforge (7pm). Having already lost to the Sliders in the last inning in their first game this year, the Angels have found themselves looking up at a few teams in the Softball Ulster league. As we move through the halfway mark in the 2016 season, the Halos will look to turn a corner and start climbing the table once more.
At the same time as the Angels game, the Razorbacks (0-2) will be kicking off at Newforge (2pm) against the North Dublin Pirates. The Hogs have shown great improvement week-to-week, and with some new talented players still joining the organisation, they feel they are ready for a breakout performance and Sunday afternoon may be it. With the Pirates in a similar boat with their winning percentage, something will have to give.
