Softballers out to extend winning streak in first home Muratti since 2019
Guernsey’s top softballers have a dominant record to live up to when the ‘Upton’ and ‘Muratti’ matches return to home soil on Saturday.
The island achieved a clean-sweep across all three matches on Jersey soil last year, which because of the Covid pandemic was the first edition to be held since 2019.
Guernsey will have four titles to fight for at Beau Sejour this weekend – Uptons in two different divisions, plus the Muratti A and B.
The Muratti A team includes two of Guernsey’s young internationals, Josh Smith and Macy Cortez, leaving softball stalwart Kirstie Marquis very hopeful of continuing their long run of victories.
‘I think that the A team this year is full of potential – there is a great mix of experience and strong ability,’ Marquis said.
‘The squad is built up of some well-known faces along with others who will be making their A team debut.’
Guernsey will be represented by Tomahawks in the Division One Upton, where they go up against Jackson’s Phoenix.
The Division Two equivalent will pit Guernsey’s CAR Cobras against Jersey’s Marwyn Royals.
Could the hosts achieve another clean sweep?
‘With the support from our home crowd and amazing community, I hope that we will be able to pull off another clean sweep,’ Marquis added.
‘Our teams are strong and more than capable. The A team secured their 10th year consecutive win in 2022 so we would love to keep that streak alive.’
Marquis said it is ‘great’ to have the games back on home soil for the first time in four years.
‘While we had supporters travel to Jersey last year to spectate and cheer us on, there is nothing better than a loud home crowd.’
Action starts with the Division Two Upton at 9.15am, followed by the Division One Upton at 10am, the Muratti B at noon and the Muratti A at 2pm.
Guernsey Muratti A team
Andy Bent, Ben Corson, Luca Finetti, Ross Machon, Josh Smith, Shane Taylor, Gavin Thornton, Emilie Batiste, Danielle Corson, Macy Cortez, Cody Gallienne, Jennifer Lindfield, Kirstie Marquis, Courtney Smith.
Guernsey Muratti B team
Kaileigh Benford, Abbie Forman, Alisha Gallienne, Blaine McDaid, Hannah Simon, Jussie Smith, Ruby Smith, Ethan Brehaut, Mike Creber, Brandon Harrison, Calum MacDonald, Jake Mahy, Joe Mariess, Jason Smith.
