The location of the Ghajnsielem Football Ground could not have been more appropriate for the Redcoats who are named after the British regiments, which, for several decades during the nineteenth century, made Fort Chambray in Ghajnsielem their home
The pressure was all on the Ghajnsielem Redcoats to perform at their best on the first ever softball game played in Ghajnsielem. The location of the Ghajnsielem Football Ground could not have been more appropriate for the Redcoats who are named after the British regiments, which, for several decades during the nineteenth century, made Fort Chambray in Ghajnsielem their home. The football ground is only a stone throw’s away from the Fort. The St Paul Bastion and its counterguard with their respective battlements overlook the ground while the barracks dominate the background.
The doubleheader that was scheduled for Sunday, November 29, at Ghajnsielem, was valid for the Softball Minor League organised by the Malta Baseball & Softball Association. The opponents were none other than the Mustangs who won the first two editions of this competition. The weather couldn’t have been better for this time of year. The Mayor of Ghajnsielem, Mr Franco Ciangura, as well as the Vice-Mayor, Mr Kevin Cauchi, were present for the pre-game ceremony which concluded with the Mayor throwing the first pitch to Joseph Scicluna, founder of the Ghajnsielem Redcoats.
Despite the early jitters the Redcoats did very well in the first game and came out 10-5 winners. After having overcome the nerves of the home debut during the first few innings of the opener, the Redcoats played much better. Indeed, the 14-0 shut-out win in the second game included some excellent fielding plays as well as solid hits from all the players in the line-up. The hard work and dedication during practice is slowly showing during official games. These players are by far not the finished product yet, but they are gradually working their way to get there.
These two fine victories mean that the Ghajnsielem Redcoats have now won all of their six games in the MABS Softball Minor League and top the standings. The Redcoats have a two game lead over the surprise of this season, the Verdala Falcons who have a 4-and-2 record. The three games left for the Redcoats include a doubleheader against Verdala scheduled for this coming Sunday, December 6. The Redcoats will be crowned champions if they win one of the two games. Should the team continue to improve as they have over the past three weekends, they should be able to overcome the Verdala Falcons and retain the honour achieved last season, that of Softball Youth National Champions.
