Donaghcloney lose to Waringstown in Semi Final of Senior Challenge Cup

So after much hype and talk about the Challenge Cup semi final between Waringstown and Donaghcloney the day finally arrived and with it the sunshine. You have to go back more than 20 years to find the last time Donaghcloney reached the Senior Cup Semi Final in the days of David Gilliland, George Martin, Paul Lyttle, David Carson and alike. Donaghcloney lost that day and while Donaghcloney were the massive underdogs against their noisy neighbours Waringstown everyone involved that just maybe there could be an upset in the making.

The Factory Ground looked magnificent and much credit must go to the ground staff with special mention to Stephen Hanna, Jim Warren, Raymie Matthews, Dessie Martin, Philip Derby and Colin Derby who all have worked tirelessly throughout the year to keep the pitch in such good order. With the sunshine came the crowds and it was lovely to see so many folk down at the ground, making the most of the day.

The toss was won by Waringstown skipper Kyle McCallan and he elected to bat. Things didn’t go to plan with seasoned campaigner Stephen Hanna taking 2 early wickets trapping John Hall LBW and Kyle McCallan playing on. Mansingh joined the party and dismissed Lee Nelson caught behind and the visitors were 48-3 and under a little pressure. Waringstown pro Obus Pinear looked in great touch and settled his side until Timmy McClure had him caught at backward point for an impressive 45. Enter David Dawson who with a faultless 77 from 76 balls took the game away from Donaghcloney. Two massive sixes over the deep mid wicket boundary showed he was a man in form and with a quick fire 52 of just 35 balls from Johny Bushe Waringstown finished on 299 from the allotted 50 overs.

This was always going to be a tall order for the home team but they raced to 35 from the first 4 overs with Colin Hylands clearing the ropes from a free hit. He soon departed after a great catch at short extra cover by John Hall. Bruce Topping then entered the fray and much of the hope lay on his and Mansingh’s shoulders. Bruce and Mansingh put on 43 partnership and looked fairly solid when the left arm spin of Gary Kidd caught him plum in front of the wicket LBW for 15. Mansingh continued at the one end and watched partners come and go without ever really getting started. The Donaghcloney skipper managed just 1 before being well caught in gully of the spin of Kyle McCallom, David Marshall was bowled for 6 while Phil Derby reached 10 before he too was bowled. Mansingh got to his 50 playing elegant strokes and his was arguably the innings of the day. He fell on 65 of 95 balls after loosening his arms and chasing a wide one in a bid to get his hundred before he ran out of partners. A great knock from a young man who had struggled with his form in the lead up to this fixture. In the end the last 4 wickets fell for just 2 runs with Donaghcloney all out for 131.

Waringstown beat Donaghcloney by 168 runs

Waringstown 299

Dawson 77, Bushe 52*

Donaghcloney 131

Nigade 67

Click HERE to see some video action from the game and there are some pictures from below some pictures. Thanks again to all who made it a great day out.