North Stars @ Harrogate Tigers
Sunday 24th May 2009

After two weeks of rain, which called off the previous games, the North Stars made their way to Harrogate and the top-of-the-table Tigers.  With the field beautifully prepared and the warm sunshine, it was a lovely day for baseball.  The Tigers were new to the league, but had many experienced players and the wins in previous weeks meant that this was no easy trip for the Stars.
 
The game was always going away from Oldham, as the Harrogate players were able to find the gaps, and were scoring runs against the pitching of Marcel.  The Stars did manage 1 run in the game, which was always going to end by slaughter rule, with Johny Creelman driving Gareth Owen in.
 
The second game was much a repeat of the first, with the Tigers’ hits falling in the gaps and their defence cutting down the Stars’ attack with good pitching and the infield turning a great double play.
What the team did learn is that Peter is developing into a good outfielder and we can look forward to the catching of James Hulme as the year goes on.

The team headed home with 2 more defeats, understanding why the Tigers are top of the league but really enjoyed a good day of baseball, and are looking forward to next week.

Bolton R.O.D. @ North Stars
Sunday 3rd May 2009

The latest game for the North Stars was against rivals Bolton.  The first game was a classic between the 2 teams; both pitchers were playing well and the bats were also alive.  Bolton were always ahead in the game and the Stars were chasing from the word go.  In the third inning the North Stars woke up and for the first time this year the batting came together.  Over the next 2 innings the team brought in 8 runs including a home run for Johny Creelman, a deep drive over left field and the first big hit of the year.

With this rally, the North Stars took the game the distance to 7 innings, a major achievement after the first 2 weekends.  Unfortunately game 1 ended with defeat but it was the closest game of the year, Bolton winning 21-10.

In game 2 Bolton star pitcher J. Sherlock was facing the Stars and shut the team down as Bolton took the game away in the early stages—in fact it took until the fourth inning before Oldham got their first hit against the pitcher.  This caught Bolton off-guard and the big Cuban Marcel Alayon came up next hitting a single which drove the run in.  His speed combined with errors from the Bolton team allowed him to take all 4 bases and score.  Well ran by the big man!  The day ended with two more defeats for the North Stars, still without a win this year, but the team has shown improvement again and will look for more positive results next week.  Go North Stars!!!!!!

North Stars @ Manchester A's
Sunday 26th April 2009

Week 2 for the North Stars in the 2009 season and a visit to Manchester to face their top team, the A’s.  Just 9 players made the trip to Didsbury and faced extremely good pitching from the Manchester players who showed the Stars how to make a ball move all over the strike zone. 
The first game never got going to the Stars; the A’s pitcher was too good and none of the team got onto base in the whole game.
 
The second started with a big scare for the team.  Liam Fraser fell awkwardly chasing a fly ball and damaged his knee.  This forced Liam out of the game and the Stars down to 8 players.  Thanks to Manchester for lending us one of their players who pitched very well and made the game competitive.  The game also had a bit more patience from the batters.  A couple of base runners and hits, but unfortunately no runners could make it in.
 
So the Stars are still looking to get their season rolling, and with Bolton as visitors next Sunday the team can only look forward.  Also well done to Emma on umpiring her first games in the north, good job!

North Stars @ Liverpool Trojans
Sunday 19th April 2009

It’s a new year, a new start and the beginning of the second year of baseball for the Oldham North Stars.  Having improved all last year the team were in high hopes and looking forward to playing competitively in the new season.  The first 2 games of the year were away to Liverpool, a former national league team who have years of experience—so no pressure then. 

The games were enveloped in glorious spring sunshine and played in good spirit.  The record books will show that Liverpool ran out easy winners (18-0 & 17-1) but the North Stars held their mettle and will take away the confidence to build and improve.  Moments for the Stars were the good hits for Rogers and Baxendale which brought in the first run of the year.  The season is long, and with many more weekends to go the team will continue to improve and despite many competitive teams yet to play, the wins will hopefully come.

North Stars @ Bolton
Sunday 31st August 08

STARS WIN!!!

A number of statistics demonstrate the progress Oldham North Stars have made from their opening game of the season on 20th April against Bolton to this final head to head, the only one that really matters, however, is the 13-12 victory in the first game of this double header.

Marcel 'The Cutie from Cuba' Alayon pitched all 7 innings for the Stars and, backed by a tight defence, kept his patience and accuracy right through the whole ballgame.  The North Stars were actually unable to score in either of the first two innings as Bell pitched hard and fast as ever for Bolton, but Oldham were leaving baserunners on the infield and there was the suggestion better could be around the corner.  Meanwhile, Alayon kept Bolton to just 3 runs.

The third saw the stirrings of change as North Stars ran in one without answer from the home team.  North Star's baseball future, however, was undoubtedly set in the fourth inning.  Consistent hitting, great eyes to put pressure on the pitcher to give up walks and a fearful home run from MVP Alayon not only forced Bolton into a pitching change, but resulted in 7 runs.  The Stars had established a two run lead which was then cut to one in the fifth as the North Stars ran in 1 and Bolton 2.

The ballgame was set up to go to at least seven innings.  The Stars kept their cool taking their catches in the field and hitting Bolton's GB pitching reliever.  At the end of the sixth it was 12 - 10 to Oldham.  In their final at bat the Stars ran in another run once again relying on sharp base stealing and great hitting.  Three runs behind Bolton's experience and home advantage meant they were still the favourites for the game.  Alayon's discipline was pushed to the limit as the lead off man stole two bases off a wild pitch.  Stars took an easy out next man up as baserunner cut the deficit to two. 

Once again, Bolton's hitters worked hard to get a runner home in exchange for an out.  The deficit was just one with two outs.  A baseball game could not be closer.  Alayon found the stamina to pitch hard at the next hitter who appropriately played a ground ball back to the pitcher who threw safely to first for the final out.  North Stars had won 13-12.

Bolton were magnanimous in defeat congratulating the Stars team, this genuine appreciation for Oldham's season long progress was much appreciated by all concerned.  To celebrate Bolton did the honour of thrashing the North Stars 4-28 in the second game of the afternoon as Oldham brought on some youth players and tested out relief pitchers.

It was six o'clock on a dark August afternoon before the sides left the field, six hours after they had begun.  Weary, wet and jubilant the North Stars had finished their first season of league baseball as a winning team.

Halton Jaguars @ North Stars
Sunday 24th August 08

Following last week's aqua-baseball, Halton were kind enough to host this inter-league match up.  A great set up welcomed the North Stars in Halton, not just running water, toilets and a perfectly manicured outfield, but hot dogs and iced drinks too… very cool.

The North Stars were competitive for most of the afternoon although the scores reflected the Jaguar's dominance with the bat.  Over the course of two games the North Stars were only able to run in lead man Marlow twice resulting in a solitary run in each game.

There were individual performances with the bat by the Stars, but they couldn't get a run together.  Graham smashed the ball for a double, Hulme moved runners around the bases, Baxendale found fair territory and in general the hitters watched the pitches well to take walks where they were available.

Fraser pitched the first game.  After 3 innings, including a shut-out third, the Jaguars were only 4-1 ahead.  Going into the bottom of the 5th the Stars needed just 2 runs to take a second consecutive game into 7.  However, experienced defensive play stopped the Stars from running in any scores.  A particularly impressive play saw the Jaguar's first baseman throw a laser beam to third getting the out on a fast sprinting Fraser.

Creelman stepped up to the plate in the second match and once again after 3 innings the Stars were keeping pace 6-1 down.  However, the Jaguars got their claws into the pitching in the fourth inning and ran away with the game.

Despite a poor batting inning themselves in the fourth as the Jaguar's laser-arm took the mound, the Stars sprinted out for the 5th inning in support of new pitcher Schrader. The first two hitters were able to get base hits as the pitcher warmed up his arm.  Throwing to the third up, yet another lefty, a pitch bang on the low outside corner was driven to Creelman at Short Stop who was lurking next to Second Base.  Creelman made the catch, had the presence of mind to step on the base and then made a throw to first where Marlow made the tag.  It was a triple play for the North Stars and a champagne moment.  Halton left the diamond a little confused and a little in awe.  Go Stars.
 
Leicester Blue Sox @ North Stars
Sunday 17th August 08

Thanks go to Farmer Creelman and his trusty petrol mower for making sure this game went ahead.  Even with a tightly cut infield the North Stars had to actually remark the diamond 20 feet to left such was the standing water around the batter's box and first base.

Well done to Leicester for having the confidence to make the long journey up to Oldham despite the forecast.  Both teams contributed to a very wet, very muddy and very competitive afternoon.

The Royton Rocket, Fraser, opened up the pitching for the North Stars. Fraser gave up 7 runs in the first inning but then just 9 more over the following 3.  In fact tight defensive work and straight pitching kept many of the Blue Sox under control.  Owen gave his all behind the plate but a few too many rockets pounded his mitt and he had to retire to the DL for the rest of the afternoon

The North Stars were undone, however, by a fantastic display of hitting from the Blue Sox Number 10 from the Dominican Republic. Carlos hit a hat trick of long home runs, all worth 2 runs or more.  It was a display of hitting not really matched by the North Stars who ran in 3 in the first and 3 at the bottom of the fifth.  Blue Sox took the game 18-6.

Game 2 was pitched through by the Cutie from Cuba.  Fighting a tight back, Marcel threw consistently although the Blue Sox were able to see his work and were able to down 9 runs in the first two innings.  The North Stars, facing the fastest pitcher they have seen all season, were the epitome of patience watching the off a high number of balls.  Good hitting throughout the line up by the North Stars replied with 9 runs of their own, the highlight an exciting triple from Fraser.

The top of the third witnessed a champagne moment as the Blue Sox American pitcher hit a massive pull of the baseball just the wrong side of the third base foul line beyond the fence, beyond the end of the playing fields, over the yards backing on to the William Brown Ballpark and on to the roof of a neighbouring house.  Understandably the locals were quite shocked, but no one reasonable expects a repeat slug anytime soon. 

The North Stars could not respond to the 5 runs during the exciting top of the third, but Marcel started to find his rhythm giving up just 1 in the fourth.  The North Stars took the Blue Sox pitching to task hitting round the order for the second time in the game, running in 8, and, led by Marcel's Home Run, took a 15-17 lead into the fifth inning.  Southby was so excited by the Stars' success he managed to miss second base altogether whilst making his way around the diamonds, the Blue Sox were unforgiving as they made a belated force play.

The North Stars worked a great fifth in the field taking out the first three hitters at first base.  The Blue Sox brought on their tall left-hander for pitching duties and he threw accurately unanswered by the Oldham team.  For the first time, the North Stars opponents were grateful for the sixth and seventh innings.

Marcel gave up just 3 runs in the sixth backed up by an outstanding catch in left field by Schrader, the Axe Man cometh.  The Blue Sox were unable to score in the seventh and the North Stars were rightly pleased to be able to see off the bottom of the order to avoid the big hitters making it to the plate again.  Credit must be given to the Sox who must have felt the Stars were hungry for the single run that would have forced extra innings, or two runs which would have won them the game.  The Sox lefty pitched solidly and the Stars' hitters were unable to answer.

Although the Stars lost the game 18-17 the contest represented another big step forward for the Oldham team and any disappointment was tempered by a great sense of the progress the score and performance represented.  A more pressing question, however, was just how the team were going to wash out the quagmire of mud stuck to their uniforms.

North Stars @ Sheffield Bladerunners
Sunday 27th July 08

To the sound of suncream sloshing on skin, the North Stars set up their home field on a gorgeous morning.  Although playing at the William Brown Ballpark, this was in fact the Bladerunners’ home fixture and was treated at such throughout.

Another good turnout saw the introduction of two new team members.  Gregson led the pitching for the Stars making a solid start giving up 6 in the first and 0 in the second, with a tighter infield to support him, Gregson's ERA would have been much better.  The offense backed up with just a single run driven in by the big hitting of Fraser.

The top of the third witnessed the closest thing to an on-field brawl that the Stars have seen.  Controversially the Stars' first baseman Marlow chose to slide into first base after a slow ground ball to Short.  In the process he took out his counterpart who would have had time to perform a double summersault in the air had he not been more concerned about the pain in his ankle.

Umpiring his first fixture, Creelman ruled the runner out at first and sent the Blades back to their fielding positions without censure for their reaction.  Most importantly of all Blade's 80 was fine to continue on the field.

The North Stars began to look far more solid in the field, led all the way by everyone's favourite Axeman, D Schrader, who seemed to have a baseball magnet in his glove catching a whole number of flyballs in Left Field.  He was particularly important in neutralising the big hitting of the Blade's shy and retiring Number 3.

In innings four and five the North Stars were able to add a couple more runs to their total, but the Blades got away from Oldham's bravehearts during the bottom of the fourth after Gregson had been taken off.  3 - 23 to Sheffield was the final result.

Placed safely in Right Field where any unexpected trumpeting could be kept to himself, Mick made a solid start to his North Stars' career.  Bringing a little bit of South American glamour to the mound, however, was our other recruit Yankee fan Marvelous Marcel.

The Blades were swinging and missing at the Cuban's pitching, but credit where it's due as Sheffield did manage to run in 2, 3, 1 and 2 in their first 4 inning.  At the top of the sixth the Stars had still failed to run in a score although they were leaving runners on bases in every inning and drawing increasingly inconsistent pitching from the mound.  Undeterred and inspiring his team, the Cutie from Cuba threw out the first 3 of the Blade's hitters, with some acrobatic support from catcher Creelman, ensuring that the North Stars not only forced a home team to hit in the bottom of the fifth for the first time, but also threw the Stars into their first 7 inning league game.

The Star's hitters responded to the challenge.  Great patience at the plate and strong hitting throughout the line-up including a mighty line drive from Hulme, meant that Oldham forced two pitching changes and ran in 7 runs.

The North Stars were now only a run behind.  The Blades ran in two, meaning Oldham now had to score three runs to force the Blades to hit at the bottom of the seventh.  Although they had men on bases, the Stars could not force home a score and umpire Almond called the game.

This was a match-up that represented substantial progress for the North Stars.  After a week's break, they go on to 3 consecutive home ties during August ending with a final game away to Bolton on the last day of the month.

Manchester A's @ North Stars
Sunday 20th July 08

It began to seem like summer would never arrive for Oldham's baseball team this week, training in the rain and looking to the skies all week.  Sunday was windy and overcast, but fortunately the North Stars were able to go ahead with their league clash against the A's.
A much healthier sized squad was available for the game - although this didn't contribute to the North Stars first 7 inning game, it did mean setting up the field was much easier!

Gregson pitched the first game, throwing consistent straight pitches to the A's who were able to get hold of a few, but whom were also giving up lots of chances on contact.  As the game proceeded, the defense became more accurate keeping the line score down.

The highlight of the game was a two run home run from Fraser, the ball just making it over the Star's extended outfield fence.  Fraser's collection of home run balls continues to grow.

Sydall came into pitch and continued the solid throwing.  He threw a shut out inning at the top of the 5th with the hitters running in 3, but this wasn't quite enough to extend the game - the A's ran out 19 - 6 winners.

Behind the plate for the second game was the much bruised and battered James Almond fresh from a nasty nose injury from Wednesday's training session, well done James.  Creelman came from out of the catcher's mask to pitch in his no-nonsense style.  The A's were kept to 5 in the first and 1 in the second, with the North Stars running in a baserunner each inning.  The A's were forced to look at their pitching and it was a small triumph to see a forced change.

Ever true to his name, Paddy "Mr. Bunt' Nicholls, seemed to invent a stroke for a great infield hit, half bunt, half forward defensive.  Nicholls went on to reach at least second base for the second time in the afternoon.  Good eyes!

Unfortunately, however, the Stars were unable to score again and the A's took control of the game, particularly in a long top of the fourth where they batted around twice.  Fraser came in to pitch an inning following more successful catches out in Centre Field.

Towards the end the Stars were given hope for the future with a huge smack of the baseball by Baxendale through the infield, sending the outfielders scampering.  A's ran out 27 - 2 winners.  More consistency throughout and the Stars may yet see it through to the 7th inning stretch before the end of the season!

North Stars @ Manchester A's - Challenge Cup Round 2
Sunday 13th July 08

A North Stars team depleted in numbers turned up on a much more summer-like day at Manchester's field for a Challenge Cup game.  North Stars were grateful to a couple of the A's players for turning out in Maroon and giving their all to Oldham's finest.
The A's were ruthless taking Andy S to task in the first inning in order to establish a lead.  They had seen the North Stars open brightly, running home lead-off man Marlow. The A's managed to hit 15 runs in response but the North Stars sprinted off the field, their spirits still high.

The North Stars welcomed back Andy G to the pitching line-up and his straight ahead contact pitching was rewarded straight away with a 1 run inning.  Andy went on to pitch 4 innings giving up an average of just 2.5 runs - welcome back Andy!!

A lovely double-play was the highlight of the fielding for the North Stars.  After receiving a rocket to first base to retire the hitter, Owen threw accurately to catcher Almond who pulled off a nifty tag on the A's baserunner trying to make it home.

North Stars' hitting was putting baserunners in play the whole game.  Gareth O was delighted with his first RBI.  The statistical star of the day, however, was undoubtedly Mr. Peter Baxendale.  Cracking two line drives for base hits he finished the game with an on base percentage of 100% demonstrating the great advantage of a good eye and self-restraint on swinging.

Manchester A's ran out 8 - 29 winners, without the need to bat out the bottom of the ninth.  Well done to all.

North Stars @ Manchester A's
Sunday 22nd June 08

The North Stars were returning to Manchester's home field, the site of their first victory over a league team - Leicester Blue Sox - in Manchester's end of 2007 season tournament.

Although not expecting to take away a victory from this AA league match-up.  Owen showed his commitment and guile for the team taking one in the eye very early on.  In fact it was so early on the first game had not actually started - the North Stars practise hard!  Although Owen was too shy to use it as an excuse, with his sight limited to his left eye only it was no surprise when he was tagged on first base looking for a steal early on in game one.

Denzel Schrader pitched accurately in the opening innings, despite a really awkward wind over the field.  Fielding was quite sharp and going into the bottom of the third North Stars were very competitive.  Manchester pulled away at this stage and despite a 3 up 3 down inning from relief pitcher Creelman in the fourth, the A's ran out 3 - 14 winners.

Creelman opened the pitching in the second game to be relieved as planned by Fraser in the second.  North Star hitters were making good contact throughout but were failing to keep the ball low.  The wind took a number of fine contacts the wrong side of the foul line.  An exception was Almond, running in RBIs for the first time and hitting around .750.  Fraser was also notable in the batting line up, keeping his line drives at a good height for both doubles and base hits.

The North Stars defense leaked a little in the second game and Manchester's hitters actually took advantage of Fraser's straight pitching and the runs began to mount up.  The A's brought in relief pitchers and at the top of the 5th North Stars began to make a game of things.  Stephanie Schrader led off the inning and found herself back at the plate 8 hitters later.  This late rally was not enough to force extra innings (7 - 27 to the A's) but the North Stars left the field with some of their confidence restored and looking forward to hosting the Blue Sox next week.

Sheffield Bladerunners @ North Stars
Challenge Cup Round 2
Sunday 15th June 08

This was North Stars first Challenge Cup game and with it their first guaranteed 9 inning game, no slaughter rule.  A very picturesque journey to the Stars to a very beautiful Ball Park in Yorkshire sharing facilities with a golf course and two cricket fields.  This was counted as a North Stars home game, there is to be a similar switch for the league fixture later in the year which should take place at the Bladerunners’ field.

Fielding a side that included one Bladerunner and new oldboy Jimmy Fraser, the North Stars took to the field first as this was officially a home tie.  Liam Fraser, perhaps spurned on to impress his big brother, pitched wonderfully to keep the Bladerunners scoreless.

North Stars hitters were on form too.  Working together the offense and defense took North Stars to a 6-3 lead by the top of the fourth inning.  It was without doubt the North Stars' best start to a game.  Although the lead was helped to a degree by some indifferent pitching by the Bladerunners’ opening pitcher, the lead was earned through tight work in the field, accurate pitching and great eye's from the hitters.

As the game progressed, Bladerunners worked their way into the contest with much improved pitching and a number of doubles and triples to boot.  North Stars were very much in the game, however.  Fraser threw a four pitch inning in the Sixth, the first a high fly to Marlow, the second a great catch on the third base foul line from Southby, the third a ball just high over the zone and the fourth a deep pop-up taken by Creelman at Short Stop.  Just in case no one had noticed he was on top form, Fraser hit an inside the Park Home Run for good measure.  It was a great game Mr. MVP throwing 8 3/4 innings.

Going into the bottom of the ninth North Stars found themselves 9 - 26 down.  Full of good spirit from an excellent performance, the top of the North Star's batting order ran in 3 runs to tick Oldham over into double figures for the first time.

Special mention to the Bladerunners for providing umpiring services at short notice.  Well done to Almond for catching the entire game letting very little through.  The champagne moment, however, was in the 8th.  Stepping up with only walks to his name, Paddy Nicholls smashed his second pitch into Right Field for an easy base hit.  We're looking forward to plenty more from last year's young rising star.

North Stars @ Birmingham Maple Leafs
Sunday 8th June 08

Oldham North Stars travelled to Birmingham to face the Maple Leafs in a two game inter-league match up on Sunday 9th June.  A long trip down the M6 led the North Stars to the Maple Leafs’ beautiful home field.  The Maple Leafs have been playing league baseball for 5 years but baseball has a history in Birmingham dating back to Canadian troops billeted in Birmingham during the Second World War (thanks for the info Peter!).

New comers North Stars struggled to impose themselves in the first game despite improved accurate pitching from Sydall.  The highlight in the field was Fraser’s 3 catches in Centre Field during the third inning, taking out the Maple Leafs single-handed!

The Maple Leafs were giving up hits but despite brave base stealing from the North Stars, the Maple Leafs’ defence stopped Oldham’s baseball players from scoring a single run. The Maple Leafs ran out 0 – 19 winners.

Birmingham failed to provide either toilet facilities or running water on a scorching hot day. Despite the journey and their thirst, the North Stars gave their best defensive performance of the year in the second game keeping Birmingham down to 12 runs, Fraser pitching solidly.  However, once again, despite debut hits for Baxendale and Owen, North Stars failed to put together multiple hits in any one inning.  Alongside more tight and accurate infield play from the Maple Leafs, Oldham were unable to score.

Next week North Stars travel to play Sheffield Blade Runners in the first round of the Challenge Cup.  They continue to train on Wednesdays at their home field.

Manchester A's @ North Stars
Sunday 1st June 08

Oldham North Stars played their third weekend of baseball on Sunday, hosting Manchester A’s for a double header at the William Brown Ball Park on Royton & Crompton School playing fields.

The North Stars had travelled all the way to Hull in the last game to play Humber Pilots – a team from the AAA league, the tier above the North Star’s AA league.  Oldham took a great deal from the more professional set up at the Pilot’s home field and their great hitting.  North Stars sweated in the field for both games and took away a really fresh approach to the game.

This Sunday may have seen the North Stars back up against AA opponents but the task was none the easier.  Manchester A’s brought a side full of players capable of big hitting, tight fielding and accurate pitching.

The North Stars are yet to take a game into 7 innings but ahead in the top of the third in the first game the North Stars were ahead and looking good.  Fraser was leading the way, the North Stars big slugger hitting a two run Home Run in the second.

Sydall was doing a great job keeping the A’s hitters at bay, but during the third pressure began to mount and Manchester started to stretch out an unassailable lead.  Sydall had thrown some of the best pitching of the season to date boding well for the rest of the season.  Manchester won the game 20 – 5.

Manchester showed their experience in the second game and although the scores were not too different, 23 – 4, the North Stars found it harder to compete.  Notably Fraser caught two high fly balls from his own pitching and Marlow led the batting with three base hits.

The North Stars showed great team spirit and there wasn’t a player on the field not to make a contribution.  The team continues to show improvement in their first season.  The North Stars travel to Birmingham to face yet more AA opponents in the form of the Maple Leafs.

North Stars @ Humber Pilots
Sunday 18th May 08

At 8am North Stars' minibus for the day pulled out driven by our very own Parker, Johnny C.  Thanks to our Scorer's Sat Nav, Steph's revision and Mr. Hulme's motormouth, the journey was smooth, quick and fun.

Humber's impressive field and friendly welcome was a pleasure all afternoon.   The Great Britain Baseball caps and shirts sent the odd shiver down North Star backs, but everyone was up for the task.

Hitting the Humber pitchers proved difficult but not impossible.  Stealing bases from their ace catcher was, however, a different proposition altogether.  Fraser demonstrated for the North Stars that he can take up any position on the field and threw a number of very strong innings for the North Stars.

The Pilots sent the ball flying all over the field taking on the North Stars pitching.  This proved a challenging but worthwhile learning curve for the defense who further cemented their team spirit, improved communication and throwing accuracy.

Despite a spread of superb sausages back at the Pilots' home pub, the event was dominated by a Paddy's running, diving catch out in left field. Go Paddy!

North Stars @ Bolton
Sunday 11th May 08

North Stars visited Bolton's field for a competitive match after a friendly last year.  The North Stars brought along a phalanx of supporters, a fully kitted out team and, predictably, a thunder storm!  There may be fans in the northern States in the US who have a chilly start to the season but there aren't too many sets of teams who play on through lightening!

North Stars pitching struggled again throughout the double header but once again Bolton did not seem confident enough in their swinging to really attack - rely on walks and throws over the centre of the plate.

North Stars' defensive communication was much improved and the outfielders were throwing in relays to keep many Bolton hits down to single base events.

Bolton were as hospitable as ever with particularly tasty scotch eggs alongside piping hot chips - much needed on this rain soaked match up.

Bolton @ North Stars
Sunday 20th April 08

Welcome to league baseball in Oldham.  Welcome Bolton.  Welcome a bitter cold wind, driving rain, boggy diamond and frozen fingers.  Summer in the North West!

The weather dominated proceedings throughout the two matches but Bolton's offense dominated even more.  Looking for walks at all opportunities Bolton saw themselves around North Stars' diamond again and again.  The teams were more fairly matched in terms of hitting.  Martin Bell of Bolton took a home run alongside his consistent hard throwing on the mound.  Both Johnny Creelman and Liam Fraser pasted the Bolton pitching for home runs, leading the batting in style.

A great afternoon for all concerned although the highlight for the younger members of the squad certainly seemed to be the beef chilli and chips - let us have some boys!