Northenders start title defence with Devils match

The first official pitch of the National League will be thrown on Saturday afternoon when reigning champions Mellieha Northenders face Devils at the Marsa baseball field.

Both teams retained the core of players from last season with Devils adding a couple of new faces. The latter have shown signs of improvement in pre-season but one still has to see whether it will be enough for them to stop the Northenders who have the bulk of national team players within their ranks.

Northenders captain and catcher Keith Bartolo, with a strong arm and a hard-hitting bat to match, will be keeping the Devils on their toes as usual.

He is one of Malta's best batters. Like his father and coach, Raymond, Keith has been an inspiration to the team at Mellieha ever since the club was founded.

The other match of the weekend will be played in Sannat on Sunday afternoon.

Hosts Gozo Tornadoes will be looking to start on a sound footing by beating visitors Mustangs.

Tornadoes are marking their 10th anniversary this year.