This calendar week is definitely one of the busier in the short history of the BBSC, with all four teams being called into action and some on more than one occasion.

The Angels led things off against the Softball Ulster-leading Sliders, led by Northstar Will Mitchell. His side dominated from start to finish, squashing any momentum that the Halos could muster. 19-1 the final, Jay Slevin and Jonny Craven will view the game as a learning experience as they look to a lengthy layoff now, with almost a month to wait before they see another tough side, the Belfast rawlers.

On Wednesday evening the Northstars took up against the Hornets in a repeat of the previous Wednesday nights tilt. The result, unfortunately for Darwin Sanchez’ team, would go a similar way thanks to a standout performance by Colin Woods.

With Mark Smith and Melvin Woods resting their arms, the Hornets would send the big righthander to the mound and, after some control issues early, he would settle down and despite the Northstars playing excellent defence behind Will Mitchell, Woods himself would blow the game open in the third with a line drive home run over the left field fence.

That would inspire his Hornets to stretch out to a 7-0 lead and with another towering blast by Woods to the deepest part of the park, the writing was on the wall for the Stars.

With Kleiber Sanchez looking after the last few outs, the Hornets would walk away 10-0 victors on the evening.

The Hornets now put their feet up for a week before travelling to Cavan to take on the Comets.

The Northstars will get a chance to rebound immediately as they travel to Dublin’s Corcaigh Park to take on the Ashbourne Giants (1-9) as they are putting the finishing touches to their spectacular new facility.

Already leading 2-0 in the season series, Darwin Sanchez will be looking for his team to continue that good form against Ashbourne.

The first game was a tight knit affair with Sanchez himself leading his team to victory on the mound thanks to a complete game pitching performance (1 BB, 5 K) in a 3-0 shutout against Kevin Mitchell of the Giants whose stat line (3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 7 K) would have been enough on any other day. Mitchell and Kleiber Sanchez would combine to provide the offensive spark driving in 3 RBI on the day.

Sanchez Jr. would then turn in possibly his best pitching performance to date. Showing excellent control for one so young, the righthander would strike out seven and walk only four, figures that even veteran arms within the organisation would be envious of.

Feeding off their starters momentum, Darwin Sanchez and speedy infielder David Mundarain would total nine RBI between them, knocking out Giants starter Alex Holloway (7 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 6 K) and getting to getting to reliever Liam Shier (8 R, 8 ER, 5 BB, 3 K) as the margin would be much more comfortable for the Northstars, cruising to a 15-2 victory to get ahead in the series.

Nothing will be taken for granted this weekend however, as the Giants will no doubt be looking to make up ground on the Stars in the B league North.

After a long layoff, the Buccaneers (10-4) will be leaving the confines of Hydebank to make the journey south to take on the Cavan Comets.

The Cavan side (5-7) are already in a 3-0 hole against the Bucs before this weekend’s double header. The first game saw a comfortable 14-2 win for the Belfast side following a nine run outburst in the last inning. Jon Carter proved a force on the mound (6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K) and in conjunction with shortstop Terry Rosbotham, fearsome at the dish as they would have four runs, seven hits and ten RBI between them.

The second game would be a much more balanced affair, the Buccaneers providing consistent output through their lineup catalysed by Christopher Barr (5 H, 3 RBI). This gave Carter enough run support to see the game closed out after six innings.

By comparison, the third game between the two sides would be a closer affair, 8-2 the final. The offence on this occasion was sparked by first baseman Chris Stange, centrefielder Ultan Magill and right fielder Billy Thompson (6 RBI combined) after the Bucs fell behind 2-1 in the first inning but, inspired by Sean Shackley’s quality outing (2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 K), the Belfast side would show consistent offensive output as the game progressed, adding runs in the first, third, fourth and sixth innings.

Coach Jose Santos will be looking for that same focus and determination against a Cavan side that can never be underestimated.

Be sure to check out the Facebook pages and twitter feeds for the teams of the Belfast Baseball and Softball Club – The Belfast Northstars(@NorthstarsBB) , The Belfast Buccaneers(@BelfastBucs), The Belfast Hornets (@BelfastHornets) and The Belfast Angels Softball Club (@Belfast_Angels).

www.belfastbaseball.co.uk

Michael Dunlop out to make amends for his mixed 2015 season with another stellar performance at Dundrod

MICHAEL Dunlop is confident he can end his season on a high and add to his tally of six wins at Dundrod circuit, as he looks forward to next week’s Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old, who sensationally switched from Shaun Muir’s factory Yamaha team back to Stuart Hicken’s BMW outfit just days before racing started at the TT, has had a below par season in comparison to his dominant 2013 and 2014 performances.

However the Ballymoney racer seems to have found his way back to form in recent weeks, with podiums at the Southern 100 and a win in the Race of Legends at Armoy, and looks set to be in the mix once again at Dundrod.

Michael said: “We had a good run at Armoy and hopefully we can carry that through to Dundrod. With a couple of weeks between it and the Ulster I’ll get some extra rest which will do me good.

“We’ll be ready, we just have to push on really and try to get a few wins. The superbike is a brand new motorbike so I’ll have to get the head down and put some miles on it, but we’ll get it dialled in.”

“We should go well in all of our classes and it’s a good circuit to ride. It’s a big fast track with plenty of 5^th and 6^thgear corners so we’re looking forward to getting out next week.”

Dunlop’s determination is good news for Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, who has watched two generations of Dunlops battle it out at Dundrod.

Noel said: “Michael is getting back to full fitness and top form, so it’s almost impossible to rule him out at Dundrod. He’s a proven winner around the circuit and when it’s his day there’s nobody faster.

“The fans love to see him at the front, he has such an aggressive style and it’s spectacular to watch. We can’t wait to have him out on track and on the pace, doing battle with Hutchy, Guy Martin and Bruce Anstey, to name but a few. We’re in for some great racing.”

For more information visit www.ulstergrandprix.net or you can also follow @UlsterGrandPrix on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

Golf fever swept across Northern Ireland earlier this year as the Irish Open descended on County Down. And it’s not over yet. The Irish Golf Expo is back in its second year as Ireland’s only dedicated golfing exhibition.

Taking place on November 28 and 29 at the new multi-million pound Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, the expo is an interactive event with a packed schedule from demonstrations and free golf lessons to PGA professionals as well as an indoor driving range with custom fitting and club testing.

And with 430 clubs across Ireland and Northern Ireland with almost 200,000 registered members, it’s no surprise golf continues to be one of the most popular sporting activities in the country.

If you want to perfect your swing before the big event here’s 3 top tips from Northern Ireland’s favourite golfing stars:

1. Rory McIlroy “Hit irons with your left knee”

Speaking to www.golf.com Rory said: “When I’m hitting driver, reaching a solid top position is my only goal. If I’m good at the top, all I have to do is unwind and the ball will go far. When the ball’s on the ground instead of teed up, however, there’s an extra step.

“To hit solid irons, move down and forward from the top as you unwind, so that the bottom of your swing occurs slightly in front of the ball.

“It’s easy to do if you start your downswing by driving your left knee toward the target, then straighten it as you approach impact.

“This gets your energy and swing power moving in the direction of the hit, so you leave nothing behind.”

2. Darren Clarke “Don’t throttle the club”

“If you grip the club too tight obviously your muscles and everything contract and you lose the feel” said Darren speaking to www.yourgolftravel.com.

He added: “If I’m gripping the club it’s almost dropping out of my hands.  That way you let the club move a little bit more as it should be.

“Don’t throttle the club.  Most amateurs try and grip the life out of the club and you see their knuckles go white.  You rarely see that with a pro.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IonizsfzT6Q

3. Graeme McDowell “My takeaway thought”

Graeme told www.golfdigest.com: “Like many good right-handers, I fight hitting it left and have for all of my life. To avoid those hooks, my takeaway thought is to make sure during those first three feet the clubhead works away wide and outside my hands, with a nice bit of loft on the club.

“When I get it wrong, the club sucks back behind my hands on the takeaway, and from there the club gets stuck behind me.

“Once the club is stuck on the inside, the only way I can go from there is out and away from me. That’s going to put a lot of right-to-left spin on the ball – the dreaded hook.”

For more information and tickets for the Irish Golf Expo taking place at Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn on November 28 and 29 log onto www.irishgolfexpo.com

World Oyster Eating Champion, Colin Shirlow, has launched the search for a protégé as he celebrates the tenth anniversary of his Guinness World Record achievement of eating 233 oysters in 3 minutes.

Still undefeated, the Dromore man, now aged 59, has learned that his unique oyster-eating technique is being studied by some of the world’s top competitive eaters to help them improve their own performance and he is hoping to share this technique with an aspiring future king or queen of oyster-eating.

“I had never eaten oysters before I undertook my first challenge at the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival back in 2005,” said Colin. “So this year, to coincide with the tenth anniversary of my Guinness World Record, I am keen to find someone who, just like me, doesn’t yet know that they have what it takes to be the next World Oyster Eating Champion.”

One of the world’s top competitive eaters, who has closely studied Colin’s technique is FoodChallenges.com owner, Randy Santel.   Only last year Randy completed a series of eating challenges in Northern Ireland, including massive breakfasts and oversized burgers. Randy comments, “I have closely followed the sport of competitive eating since 2010, and individual eaters from the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA who compete in global food challenges. The World Oyster Eating Championship has been of great interest to me and I’ve watched all of the videos on YouTube and have used Colin’s techniques in every oyster eating contest I’ve done. Everyone in the USA does. He is absolutely flawless and unstoppable.”

In recent years Colin has been challenged by some of the best and the fastest competitive eaters in the world, including Matt Stonie, Sonya ‘The Black Widow’ Thomas, Miki Sudo, and Bob Shoudt, none of whom have managed to get near Colin’s world title. Randy explains, “Most competitive eaters in the USA specialise in quantity and speed with large items such as hot dogs, pizza, and burgers. Speed eating oysters is an entirely different ballgame and one for which Colin has developed a truly unique technique.”

Colin adds, “I hadn’t really thought of my technique as being truly unique and I take this as a real compliment. I am very chuffed that my technique is something which is helping to inspire professional competitive eaters and I wonder if my former boxing career has helped in the development of this?”

The World Oyster Eating Championship is a key feature of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, which is being held from 1^st to 6^th September 2015. If you are interested in learning from global oyster icon, Colin Shirlow, and participating in this year’s World Oyster Eating Championship please contact the event organisers on WOEC@hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

For further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival please visit  www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com/

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to provide a weekend of music and laughter, as Irish singing legend Mary Coughlan, and local favourites Belvoir Players, take to the stage.

In a special event as part of 7 Hills Blues Fest, Mary Coughlan will provide the entertainment for the next Blues Supper Evening; the ultimate evening out all under one roof. Mary Coughlan is one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices since overnight success with her debut release, ‘Tired And Emotional’ in 1984. Singing songs of joy, sadness, mischief and melancholy, songs by Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Peggy Lee, her voice effortlessly straddles jazz, blues, chanson and pop. Mary will be accompanied on piano by James Delaney.

The Blues Supper Evening will take place on Thursday 6^th August at 8pm. Tickets are priced £23 with supper, or £13 for the performance only.

Belvoir Players make their annual summer return visit to The Market Place Theatre with the classic comedy farce by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft, ‘Allo, Allo’, which was hugely popular on the BBC in the 1980’s.

René Artois runs a small café in France during World War II. He always seems to have his hands full: he’s having affairs with most of his waitresses, he’s keeping his wife happy, he’s trying to please the German soldiers who frequent his café, and he’s running a major underground operation for the Resistance. Quite often, the Germans’ incompetence itself is what nearly lands René and his cohorts in hot water; they are not helped either by the locals, who are dreadfully keen to get rid of the Germans, but their blatant and theatrical attempts at espionage and secrecy create problems of their own.

Presented by one of Northern Ireland’s leading amateur theatre companies, ‘Allo, Allo’ will be staged on Friday 7^th and Saturday 8^th August at 8pm. Tickets are priced £11 and £9 (concession).

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Down

With three days to go until thousands of eager festival goers descend upon Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, for the 6th annual Sunflowerfest, festival organisers have announced the full programme of performances scheduled for the five main stages of the festival from Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August. From spoken word and comedy performances in the Moot to local gems and cocktails at the Pond Stage, the picturesque backdrop of the Campfire Stage which will feature a range of more acoustic, folk and traditional acts, and the heavier, more alternative acts housed in the Barn Stage, this year’s festival is offering something for every musical taste and all ages of festival guest.

Armagh

Navan Fort in Armagh will host the Wickerman Gathering this Saturday 1st August. An evening where fire, storytelling, dance and music celebrate the ancient festival of Lunasa. Activities include
live music, traditional dance lessons, storytelling, kids activities & crafts, Armagh Rhymers, feasting, ceili and Wickerman fire ceremony. Bring a picnic or try our Celtic BBQ for an additional cost.
Event not suitable for under 4 year olds. Pre-booking is essential. Book before 24th July & receive 10% discount on admission charges.

Fermanagh

Taking place in the island town of Enniskillen, lovers of music, theatre, dance and literature, will not want to miss a moment of the jam-packed programme for the 4th Happy Days Enniskillen International Becket Festival, which runs until August 3rd. This year’s festival features Drop the Dead Donkey’s Neil Pearson, wife of Benedict Cumberbatch Sophie Hunter, Pirates of the Caribbean actor Kevin McNally, the amazing Maguy Marin Dance Company from France and Germany’s number one theatre company the controversial Berliner Ensemble. Northern Ireland’s own Ian McElhinney, who played Ser Barristan on Game of Thrones will perform, while local star Adrian Dunbar will once again Direct a World Premiere production, on Devenish Island, in his role as Festival Associate.

Tyrone

Omagh Craft Collective was born after a casual chat with a few local crafters who recognised the need for a better platform for selling crafts locally, and decided to experiment with a Pop Up Shop in December 2011. It was formerly established as a Community Interest Company in September 2012 with help and guidance from Omagh Business Complex. The Collective is non-profit making and run voluntarily by 6 directors who give their time freely to organise events and the crafters donate their time to the daily running of each shop. Omagh Craft Collective has now undertaken four successful pop up shops and the range of craft is always changing and evolving. The Collective is delighted to be showcasing their craft work this August in Strule Arts Centre as part of Craft NI’s August Craft Month 2015 – The Year of Design.

Derry

This year’s Dale Farm Milk Cup is well underway with young aspiring footballers welcoming the opportunity to participate in one of Europe’s most famous Youth Football Tournaments. The tournament, while attracting some of the most famous Club teams from all over the world, provides an important platform for local Northern Ireland players to pit their skills against these visiting players. For all fixtures go to www.dalefarmmilkcup.com.

Antrim

Now in its 24th year, the Heart of the Glens Festival takes place from 1st to 9th August. Events during the week include those firmly established in the festival calendar such as the Lurig Challenge Run, Lorry and Float Parade, Glens Vintage Day, and Ireland’s Longest Waves of Tory. In addition to the more regular events there will be some new and exciting themes and activities for young and old to enjoy!

Belfast

Relax with your little ones at the MAC for some fun free storytime at Story Time Sunday throughout August. Storytime is free and takes place in the wonderful Family Room – as it is quite popular we advise that you book your tickets in advance.

Add your events free at www.whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

This Saturday sees the beginning of free weekend entertainment throughout August in Portaferry.

Every Saturrday and Sunday from 3pm-5pm enjoy fishy fun street theatre; discover all kinds of marine life at the Exploris Discover Tank and visit local exhibitions in Portaferry Visitor Information Centre.

Let the world be your oyster at the annual Hillsborough International Oyster Festival 2015. Running from Tuesday 1^st to Sunday 6^th September, this world-famous Festival offers visitors the opportunity to sample the finest locally sourced produce and to be entertained by local artists and fun activities.

The Hillsborough Oyster Festival will include activities, performances and eating experiences to satisfy all tastes. This year’s Festival will see the return of the World Oyster Eating Championship, the glamourous Pearl and Oyster Ball, The Oyster Masters Golf, the Super Car Dream Sunday and the Soapbox Derby which is being sponsored by TrustFord this year. The line-up will also feature the debut of a number of exciting events including the appetising Hillsborough Gourmet Pop-Up Restaurant.

The week-long Oyster Festival attracts large numbers of tourists to the Hillsborough area each year and now in its 23^rd year, the prestigious event once again anticipates many visitors from the USA, Japan and beyond, all travelling to Northern Ireland to indulge in the unique food festival.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s event, Don Spence, Chairman, Festival organising committee said, “Each year the Festival goes from strength to strength and contributes enormously to the local tourism industry. It sparks interest among food lovers, car fanatics and music fans. This year we’re looking forward to having racer Guy Martin join us for the TrustFord Soap Box Derby, as well welcoming the Ulster Youth Orchestra as a new addition to the Festival line-up, all in support of our nominated charities, Clubs for Young People (CYP NI) and the Hillsborough Village Centre.”

Premium gastronomy is a core ingredient of the Festival’s success with shellfish taking centre stage on Saturday 5^th September at the World Oyster Eating Championship where competitors will be given the chance to win the coveted champion’s title. The new Gourmet Pop-up restaurant which premiers on Thursday 3^rd September will provide guests with an exclusive dining experience comprising a three-course meal with dishes prepared by chefs from the Mourne Seafood Bar, The Hillside, The Parson’s Nose and The Plough.

Don Spence adds, “The Festival is a great opportunity for neighbourhood restaurants to display their culinary flair and local food producers to exhibit their home-grown goods at the Festival’s Gourmet Food Market.”

In addition to the cuisine, The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also gives visitors the chance to delight in the company of the local community through the scheduled social events such as the Oyster Masters Golf Day, live concerts, the Pearl and Oyster Blues Brothers Ball, and during the open-air motor show at Super Car Dream Sunday.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism NI and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme continues in Ward Park this Sunday, August 2 when Stephen McCartney and Dolbro Dan take to The Bandstand to entertain the crowds at the popular weekly event.

Stephen McCartney, the songwriter and frontman for well-known Bangor-based folk band The Farriers, will be joined by bass player Gareth Hughes; guitarist Collie McClean and drummer Paul Hamilton. A super alliance – guaranteed to entertain!

The set will be made up of his Stephen’s best known songs mixed with some popular covers. This is a musical treat not to be missed!

So if you fancy kicking back and spending a relaxing afternoon in the park, then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm for this free event. Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit:

www.visitardsandnorthdown.com