This Is Guernsey

Island star Ben Youlton has signed for slow-pitch outfit Condor after champions Legdraggers disbanded. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0480696)

THE 72nd Guernsey Softball Association season starts tomorrow and promises to be as close and exciting as the previous 71.

The opening fast-pitch game sees NRG Rangers face Triton Spartans. Shortstop Ben Corson, who has returned from travelling, will be a welcome addition for Rangers, who might feel they underachieved last season, and they will be looking to rectify that this year.

Veteran first baseman Trevor Crittell, who retired from playing at the end of last season, is coaching the team while Ed Blewett takes over from catcher Paul Vaudin, who will be replacing Crittell on first.

Last season’s domestic tournament winners Sluggers have been rebranded as Triton Spartans and, with Jason Smith in charge, will be looking to improve on last year’s league position.

With a fine mix of youth and experience, Smith’s men will be looking to add to their tournament win.

The league’s other two teams battle it out next Friday.

Last season’s winners La Grande Mare Mozzies (formally Giants) will surely be looking to retain their crown and with Great Britain pitcher Curt Taylor on the mound will start as favourites.

Steve Mahy takes over as team coach.

The Plough Inn Titans are another team who have a fine blend of youth and experience.

Long-serving Gary Machon coaches the side who finished bottom last year but ended the season as one of the form sides with some good youth players coming of age in the latter part of the campaign.

Youngster James Brehaut, at the age of 15, starts the season as the youngest pitcher in the league by some 10 years.

That is very promising for the sport and coach Machon describes Brehaut as a prospective star for the future.