Big Win for 1sts at Home to Dunmurry
Donaghcloney returned to league action at the weekend past with a home fixture against Dunmurry. Skipper Keith Martin won the toss and elected to field confident that his bowlers could cope with heat on what was a glorious summer day.
Man of the Match - Davy Marshall - Bowling figures of 5 for 11 from 10 overs
Donaghcloney were also buoyed by the fact that they were able to welcome back Neil Carson after a 20 year period away from the club were he started his illustrious career. Neil enjoyed successful spells with top senior teams Waringstown and Instonians during that period not to mention representing his country at the top level. This will hopefully bode well for the incoming season and give the players the impetus to improve their personal performance levels.
It was not long until Keith’s confidence in the bowling attack come to fruition. In the 3rd over Jonny Stevenson picking up the wicket thanks to a Stevie Lyttle catch. Dunmurry then seemed to gain some impetus as they moved their score on to 35 in only the 8th over.
Evergreen strike bowler David Marshall then stole the show. In the next 12 overs 5 wickets fell, all victims to Marshall’s nagging line and length, leaving Dunmurry struggling at 55 for 6 at the 20 over mark. Marshall’s spell must be counted as one of the best in his career with his effort putting his team in the driving seat, as he claimed 5 wickets for 11 runs in his 10 over allocation.
The only sour note during this period was the injury to club stalwart Stephen Hanna. He was attempting to field a ball which spun away from him, in trying to change direction he fell awkwardly on his ankle. The game was stopped for a period and the unfortunate Hanna was whisked of to hospital.
Tim McClure claimed the 7th wicket thanks to a fine catch from by Matthew Lyttle and when young Lyttle claimed the 8th wicket with the score on 87 thanks to Martins 3rd catch behind the stumps it only looked like a matter of time before the visitors were dismissed.
However, as Donacloney relaxed the Dunmurry tailed wagged and added another 30 for the final two wickets which were both bowled by the reliable Gary Knox. This left the home side with a target of 118 in their allotted 50 overs.
Coming out after tea skipper Martin opened up with Knox and himself as the sought to chase down the target. Both men tried to remain disciplined in hope of setting a platform for victory.
Martin was finding the middle of the bat straight away, and while Knox struggled initially he too soon found his form. Knox, however, was a victim to his own poor shot selection which saw him caught to leaving the score on 57 after 15 overs.
The returning Neil Carson was next up and he was adjudged LBW for only 1, while young Lyttle was dismissed for 9 in similar fashion. With fear of a collapse man of the moment Marshall entered the fray and along with skipper Martin they cruised to victory with partnership of 38.
Martin finished the match with a controlled innings of 53 not out seeing his home through to victory, while Marshall ensured he got the man of the match racing to an unbeaten 19 not out.
Skipper Martin was delighted with the result, ‘On a personal note it was great to get a few runs, David Marshall stole the show today with his all round performance but the team performance was outstanding with great fielding and encouragement’. He continued ‘we wish Stevie Hanna a speedy recovery from injury as he really is an integral part of the team, both with his wickets and runs’
Donacloney would like to thank match ball sponsor for the Cliffy Lawson.
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