[ BOX SCORE ]Scheduled starter Peter Kikel had to be pulled out of the game 15 minutes before the start with recurring shoulder problems. In his place starting pitcher, Aspi Dimitrov struggled in the opening 3 innings giving the visitors a 7-0 lead. The frustration was evident with the two teams coming close to a physical confrontation but some timely diplomatic manoeuvres by Larry Martillo from the Herts Hawks’ bench prevented any blows being exchanged. Despite settling down over the next two innings, Dimitrov, left the game in the 6th inning with the bases loaded and no outs. In came team ace, Larry Martillo to pull the Hawks out of a very tricky situation.With Martillo shutting down the Hurricanes’ offence, the Hawks started to work with their bats. Carlos Casal and Ross Davies led the charge scoring 4 runs on their own. They were supported by some clutch hits by Tim Elkins (1-1), Kal Dimitrov (2 RBIs), Jake Kikel (2-3 1B 2B), and Jonathon Lewys (1-2 RBI).These late heroics were not enough with the Herts Hawks losing 5-10 at the end.

Hawks vs. Guildford Mavericks: 9-7 / 15-2[ BOX SCORE 1 ][ BOX SCORE 2 ]After two consecutive rain-out weekends, Herts Hawks managed to get back to winning ways with two crucial wins in their double-header against the Guildford Mavericks.[ view the gameday gallery ]The visitors arrived to Grovehill Field encouraged by a magnificent win against the Shropshire Panthers in their last outing. Game 1 proved to be a very tense affair but after the teams traded blows in the opening innings, Hawks managed to grab a slender but vital lead of 8-6 after 5 innings. Venezuelan powerhouse, Carlos Casal, 2006 MVP, Peter Kikel, nutrition-junkie, Rodney Naghar, notorious puller, Tim Elkins and hard-hitting Steve Nippress were just some of the Falcons who delivered key hits. Falcons rookie, Jonathon Lewys, also came through in a big way with his first ever hit for the club and his first catch in the outfield. Hawks starter, Peter Kikel, was once again impressive on the mound and he handed the ball to New York native, Larry Martillo, to close the game for the last two innings of the game. Martillo showed incredible poise and concentration to destroy any hopes which the Mavericks may have had of making a come back. The Herts Falcons won the game with a final score of 9-7.With a win in the bag, Hawks came out with even more confidence for the second game. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Jake Kikel brought back memories of the 2006 Relegation play-off between the two teams when he stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. With an almost identical double Kikel cleared the bases driving in 3 runs in the same way as he did in that unforgettable playoff game last year. This opened a 7-run lead for the home team. A very solid defensive performance meant that the Mavericks scored only 2 runs in that game. The Hertfordshire team won convincingly 15-2.A real confidence boost for the Falcons who all of a sudden find themselves tied in second place in their subdivision of British Baseball’s First Division. Over the two games the Falcons made only 2 errors in the field and if they can consistently put in such defensive performances, then they may have a say at the top end of the league standings despite being written off by everyone at the start of season.Game 2 was temporarily halted because of a high-speed police chase involving a young individual on a bike over the fields adjacent to Grovehill field, which provided even more excitement for the two teams and the baseball enthusiasts who came to watch the game.

Hawks @ Shropshire Panthers 7-17[ BOX SCORE ]Hawks made a promising start of the season away at the Shropshire Panthers with a battling performance for five and a half innings going neck and neck against a team that was playing in the prestigious Premier League last season. Going into the bottom of the 6th inning the game was tied 7-7 when disaster struck. A total defensive collapse resulting in 9 runs after 5 hits and 4 errors. The final score was 17-7 to the Panthers.Hawks have to take the many positives from that game and try again next Sunday, 6 May, when they welcome the Bracknell Blazers 2 for their first home game of the season at Grovehill Field, Hemel Hempstead.Before the start of the game both teams held a minute silence as a tribute to Shropshire Panthers’ catcher, Matt Folka, who lost his battle with cancer earlier this month. The game attracted a large crowd with interest from the local press and local photographers.