......but no cigar

Considering some of the recent results of the Angels, it was probably expected that the Hydebank side would provide little resistance for the powerhouse Belfast Brawlers.

Funny ol game softball.

Playing loose and free with an inspired defence and timely hitting, the Angels managed to push the undefeated side to the last with the final score being 13-12, the last Halos out being recorded with two runners in scoring position.

Knowing full well the offensive output that the Brawlers have, the Angels jumped out quickly to a 3-0 lead thanks in no small part to a 2-run home run by Colin Woods in the first. Punching back quickly, the home side took the lead themselves, plating 4 in the bottom of the inning.

Coach Jay Slevin would start the next with a double and would eventually plate to tie the game before the Brawlers began to stretch out the lead, scoring four in the bottom half of the inning. The teams would swap runs moving through the next and in the fourth, Sean Shackley would drive in Jason Scott to make the score 8-6. Chris Stange then dug out a single to bring Shackley home and, as he is wont to do, Melvin Woods blasted a home run into right field to give the Angels a 9-8 lead. The defence then stepped up, holding the Brawlers back from plating any runs in the fifth and the top of the order would then add a

few more, stretching the score out to 11-8.

Showing why they are undefeated, a three run blast from the Brawlers would tie the game and then quickly add a couple more to pull away to 13-11.

In the sixth, a sacrifice RBI by Heather Paton cut the lead to one run and with two great catches in deep left by Chris Stange took the game to the last with one run in it. Unfortunately for the visitors, the Brawlers defence held firm and the took the tilt 13-12.

Defeated but not unbowed, the result will give the Belfast Angels positives to build on as the last game of the season approaches. The Bangor Buccaneers await.