Smooth sailing

Missing some key personnel from last season, you would have been forgiven for thinking that 2017 for the Belfast Angels would be less about the wins and more about rebuilding.

So much for that.

Travelling down to Bangor, the Angels definitely had something to prove against a Buccaneers side that got the better of them twice last year. New skipper Shane Hanna would have wanted the Halos to start strong, and that they did.

As he did last year, Chris Stange would be the talismanic leadoff for the Angels, and his run scored would catalyse the top of the order in an inning that would also include runs scored for Amy Simpson, Chris Shields (making an excellent case for himself at first base), Sinead Shackley and Hanna himself. Sean Shackley and Jason Scott would chip in with runs themselves and the Buccaneers found themselves seven runs down by the time they came off the field in the first.

The Bucs tried to scrap back, but the Angels defence was as up for the game as the offence with many rock solid defensive plays, anchored by shortstop Justin Young.

The visitors added three more runs in the second provided by the heart of the batting order and managed to shut out the Bangor batters. Adding one more in the third to keep the scoreboard ticking, the Bucs couldn't string enough hits together to punch a significant enough hole in the lead to truly threaten.

Adding another four in the fifth including a first run scored for debutant Nicola Smith the game was all but decided. The Buccaneers bats did try to make one last charge but on several occasions hit the ball directly into the glove of the Belfast defence. Another three runs in the last inning for the Angels and no runs allowed in the bottom half saw Hanna's team take the victory 19-6.

A solid start for the 2017 version of the Belfast Angels. Positives to take? Definitely. Things to improve on? Always. Schedule getting easier? Absolutely not – the Belfast Sliders await.

The Belfast Angels are still recruiting for 2017! If you, your friends or work colleagues want to try softball, get in touch through the 'Contact Us' page!