Newton Aycliffe Spartans time has arrived
A little under nine months since a group of local baseball enthusiasts met on a field in Newton Aycliffe, the North East’s only baseball team, the Newton Aycliffe Spartans will, this coming Sunday, 15th April 2012, commence their 2012 British Baseball Federation Northern League campaign against Manchester Torrent (First Pitch 12pm). This game and all future home games will be played at Horndale Field in Newton Aycliffe.
Team Manager, John Johnston is naturally excited for the future. “The club has been working hard with both Great Aycliffe Town Council and Durham County Council to establish a baseball and softball presence in the North East. We now have players from all over the North East and have a permanent place to play and train where we can develop both sports.”
“We have been working hard off the field to develop the community aspect of the sports and in addition to the close links we are developing with the local authorities we are pleased that local companies are keen to help us promote baseball and softball through sponsorship and helping us out. A Newton Aycliffe firm, SCH Site Service Ltd have constructed a back-stop for us and we already have the next three home fixtures sponsored by local companies and we are delighted that Sports and Fitness Supplements supplier, Body-Extreme.co.uk, have signed up to sponsor our inaugural game in the BBF Northern League this weekend. ”
The club continues to look develop partnerships with local companies and anyone interested in sponsorship at any level is invited to contact John Johnston at john@newtonacyliffespartans.co.uk
This weekend sees the Spartans take on a Manchester side that won 10 games and lost 12 in 2011, finishing 4th in the Northern Division. Spartans will play two seven inning games and will certainly look to start on a positive note. Head Coach, Sean Wallwein acknowledges the task ahead. “There is no doubt that our first few fixtures will be tough for us. We are playing established teams who have been together for several seasons. But if we can cut down on defensive mistakes that have occurred in our preseason games, we can certainly run teams close. All we need is one win to build on. The talent and enthusiasm is certainly there”
Following this coming weekend, the Spartans are in home action again on Sunday 22nd April against the Sheffield Bladerunners.
Preseason Result. Newton Aycliffe Spartans 5, Sheffield Bladerunners 21
Last weekend, Spartans travelled to Leicester and the finals weekend of the 2012 Leicester Spring League for their final preseason game against fellow Northern League side, The Sheffield Bladerunners. An early shock was on the cards as the Spartans quickly got their offence going jumping into a 5-2 lead after the first inning. However, as in their previous preseason games, poor defence cost the Spartans from building on their good starts and the team from Steel City, who are expected to challenge for the top spot in the Northern League in 2012, notched up 19 runs in the next two innings and ran out 21-5 winners.
