A local baseball club, the Plymouth Mariners, is gearing up to host a regional tournament for teams across the South West. The Mariners, established in 1988, are the first team in the region to have access to a purpose-built baseball facility and have taken the initiative to host a tournament for other local teams.

This competition will serve as a practice ground for all participating teams to play competitive baseball ahead of the South West and Wales Baseball League season, which kicks off later in April.

It will also be a chance for the newly-established Plymouth Marauders – a team set up in response to growing demand – to put their capabilities to the test in a competitive environment.

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The tournament will be hosted at Plymouth’s own Wilson Field from Saturday March 22 to Sunday March 23 and will split the six competing teams into two groups of three.

The Plymouth Mariners, Exeter Spitfires, and Cornish Claycutters will compete in the first group and the Plymouth Marauders, Newton Abbot Brewers and Torrington Riptides, and Cornish Pioneers will compete in the second group.

The top team from each group will then compete against the runner-up from the opposing group in two semi-finals, the winners of which will then compete in the final.

Mariners Team Manager, Jack Parsons, commented: “We are very fortunate to have year-round access to our playing field. It's one of the few purpose-built baseball fields in the whole of the UK. Lots of other teams in the region have to make do with playing on school playing fields or rugby pitches

"Clash at the Coast is our way of showing everybody in the South West that Plymouth is the leading city for the sport of baseball. We have great facilities, a great location in Central Park, and a great view of Plymouth Sound.”

Mariners chairwoman, Angie Wilson, added: “We’re fortunate to have year-round access to our baseball field, and, like many clubs, we’ve seen a massive rise in player numbers recently.

"We know how valuable meaningful game time is, and we hope this tournament will offer players across the region a welcome opportunity to sharpen their skills and enjoy some fun, competitive baseball before the season begins.”

Those looking to join them can contact them via their Facebook or phone them at 07746 133922.