The Shelbys opened their campaign at home (Jurd Park) against the Moorebank Royals after the previous weekend's false start due to the rain.

The Highlands put on a spectacular Spring day for the match with beautiful warm and sunny weather. 

However the home team was not able to start its season with a win, going down to the Royals 13-9.

As the home team, the Stars took to the field first with Aiden Martin leading the charge as the opening pitcher.

Despite only having seven players, the team did the job of a full nine-strong squad, holding the Royals to two in the first innings and one in the second. 

The Stars let the bat do the talking with multiple outfield hits and some smart batting to get four runners home over the first two innings. 

A few errors in the field led to some runs that cost the Stars dearly in the second half, despite a continued effort from Martin at the mound and also relieving Pitcher, Andrew Glassington. 

Unfortunately time ran out at the end of the game and the Stars were unable to catch up to the Royals, losing by four.

Despite the loss, the players put in a valiant showing with Glassington batting four hits from four 'at bats' with some amazing outfield hits. 

David Weblin showed some new found speed in his base-running. 

Scott Hogan proved how much the Stars missed his bat in the Winter competition, and Ramon Perez made a strong debut behind the plate as relieving Catcher. 

All signs point to a great Summer season, especially once the Stars are back to full strength next week.

In the Lee Richardson Cup division two the Southern Stars Bombers received a win by forfeit from the Campbelltown Cubs.

The club’s 'masters' have still yet to take the diamond this season after a washout the Friday night before.