It’s Close again for 2nd XI but not quite close enough

Richard scored 61 against Saintfield his first senior half century

It was another disappointing result for the Donaghcloney 2nd XI against Saintfield on Saturday past. The Donaghcloney squad containing a mixture of youth and experience were unable to gain revenge against a strong Sainfield side. On a sunny day at the Factory ground the visitors batted first and scored an impressive 253 in the allotted 50 overs. Sainfielfd got of to a great start with both openers getting a decent start before skipper Raymie Matthews brought himself on and got the vital breakthrough. The spin of Matthews went on to take a total of 3 wickets and Brian Lyttle bowled a niggling length and he too secured 3 wickets. Wickets however were hard to come by and all the bowlers proved expensive allowing the Saintfield batsmen to take full advantage of the loose deliveries.Chasing the 253 was always going to be hard work but the Cloney batsmen gave it their all. The star of the day was young Richard Lyttle who after another very tidy display behind the stumps showed that with some concentration runs could be accumulated. He fought hard with some impressive stroke play before finally being out on 61. This was Richard’s first senior half century and is a name to look out for in the future within the Cloney ranks. Steven Lyttle and brother Brian both chipped in with 20’s as did vice skipper Richard Clydesdale but it wasn’t to be enough. Donaghcloney were all out for 200 and another game slipped through their fingers. Raymie Matthews commented afterwords “Its disappointing to lose another game that we could have won if we play to our full potential. On a positive note it was lovely to see Richard get a really good innings today and we’ll be looking to him for more of the same”