In a sense, it was a performance that turned back the clocks of time. With long-time local fastball star pitcher Brad Ringette in attendance, a hurler from a similar era put on a performance to remember. Forty-something chucker Paul Lizotte faced the minimum 21 batters leading the Garson Hounds past the Dog House North Stars 3-0 and tying the best of three semi-final at a game apiece.

Ironically, the pitching gem would occur at Lorne Brady Park in Garson, the very field where both Lizotte and Ringette spent much of their youth developing their skills on the mound that would lead them both to countless success at both the provincial and national level.

Drawing inspiration from his ailing friend (Ringette is currently fighting pancreatic cancer), Lizotte turned in a masterful performance, striking out nine batters and helping his own cause at the plate, going 2/3. The deciding game in this series goes next Thursday (Sept. 10th) in Garson at 7:00 p.m.

In the nightcap, the Pickerel River Cardinals took a quick 6-1 lead after two innings of play and then held on the surging Parry Island Hawks to win 9-7 and eliminate the first place Hawks from further playoff action. The Cardinals, winners of the semi-final Series "A" in straight games, now await the next Thursday's game to determine who will be the other finalist.

Jonathan Contin went all the way on the mound for his second victory of the playoffs, scattering ten hits and striking out nine. Sophomore Troy Nootchtai was tagged with the loss, giving way to Matt Tobobundung in the fourth inning. The pair combined to give up ten hits, issuing a single base on balls and fanning seven batters.

Both Jonathan and Earl Contin paced the Pickerel River attack, registering three hits apiece with Pat Brennan Jr belting a two-run home run in a winning cause. Jason Green (triple) and Walter Tobobundung Jr (double) both went 3/4 for the regular season champion Hawks.

The 23rd Annual World Senior's Men's Fastball Championships are on the go Labour Day weekend in North Bay, with three of the Rick McDonald Memorial Fastball League teams participating among the field of 32 entries. The Dog House North Stars/Relics, the Athletics and the Parry Island Hawks are taking part in the three-day event, with quarter-finals getting underway Saturday evening.

Local fastball fans are in for another treat - the 4th Annual All-Star Classic Extravaganza, pitting the Rick McDonald Memorial Fastball League all-stars against he North Shore/F.A.N.S.' best is set for Saturday, September 12th in Capreol.

Festivities kick off at 3:00 p.m. with the skills competition (home run derby, fastest runner, most accurate outfielder and the fastest pitcher) while the game itself, a nine inning affair, should get underway by 4:30 p.m. There will be a $2 fee at the gate, with proceeds from that and a 50/50 draw going the Cancer Society in Brad Rienguette's name.

Fastball players from the past five decades are invited to attend and be honoured for their contribution to the sport over the years.