The Ancaster Veteran Slo-pitch League kicked off its 21st season on Sunday, May 4 with the Cardinals, Brewers, Giants, Sox and Braves all winning their openers.

In a repeat of last year's championship game, the Cardinals turned the tables on the Indians, winning 22-5. Hank Vipari led the Cardinal hit parade with five. Larry Smith socked a two-run homer while John King, Dave Dykeman, Mike O'Neill, Randy Crispo, John Anderson and Chuck Paglia all contributed. Infielder Sam Hobbs, flashed the leather and shortstop Pat Moulden started a double play. Pitching ace Frank Hruska was almost unhittable. Phil Tiessen was perfect in three trips and scored three runs for the Indians. Defensively, Rolph King turned a double play.

The Brewers trailed the As 5-4 after six but struck for nine runs in the top of the seventh, sending 13 batters to the dish to defeat the A's 13-9. Danny Nelson went yard twice and Dan Peace chipped in with a booming triple. Shortstop Kevin Kading started a double play, left fielder Carl Burnet made a sensational running catch to back the solid pitching of Frank Simpson and John Parrett. Jim Johnston and John Dudzic were both four for four at the plate for the A's while Ray D'Andrade was two for four, including a mammoth round tripper. Outfielder Mike Freshwater made two scintillating catches.

The Giants held on to defeat the Pirates 14-13, thanks to a big six-run sixth inning. Kevin Kelly was perfect in four trips to lead the Giants while Mark Edmondson homered and Jim Boles cracked a two-run double to the fence. Outfielder Dave Borer led a stout defence while catcher Brian Bick had a solid two-way game. Winning pitcher Dave King was in mid-season form.. Rick Gunter clouted a two-run jack to lead the Bucs while Joe Morrison legged out a triple. Norm Sogan and Dave Weir were pillars behind losing pitcher Rick Pearson. Newcomer Scott Mannen swung a hot bat.

In a real cliffhanger the Sox edged the Orioles 11-10 led by Paul Hammond who homered twice while Dave Lindley smacked a go-ahead double. Greg Atkin anchored an air-tight infield, outfielder Chuck Gibson made a shoestring catch in the seventh and pitcher Don French handcuffed the heavy hitting Orioles. Ron Crowley homered, Kerry Trevaskis tripled and Mike Hiltz doubled to lead the Oriole attack. Joe Wierda and Al Hoar hit well in the clutch. Wayne Daniels, Jay Howes and Don Low sparkled defensively to support John Winegarden who made his pitching debut.

The Braves trounced the Tigers 20-11. Harry Hill, Brian Carey and newcomer Domenic D'Avella were four for five at the plate. Keith Beaver had a great game. Steve Oulahen was in on a pair of double playsJim Smith and Ron Brown shared the pitching win. Ken Moulden was perfect in four trips to lead the Tigers, while Greg Wilson was three for four and Mike Foley two for three. Mike Moulden was a standout at second and catcher Lee Revill made an electrifying catch. Ron Lacroix and Frank Rocchi pitched well.

Vet action resumes at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 11 at Copetown with the Braves hosting the As.