Lurgan win easily and show Donaghcloney the high standard of Section 1 cricket

Had a superb game with 45runs, 3 catches and a vital wicket against Cooke Collegians

The weather was fantastic, the wicket looked perfect and both Lurgan and Donaghcloney were keen to get the season off to a winning start. Winning the toss Keith Martin elected to bat and the season was officially underway. Lyness Topping and Keith Martin opened the batting and got off to a steady start. Lyness took control of the innings playing freely and getting on the front foot early on to play some lovely cover drives. Keith played a supporting role before the spin of Narinja the Lurgan professional found him trapped in front of the wicket. At 68 for 1 of 22 overs drinks were taken early.

Lyness continued to bat well but unfortunately no one could hang around for any length of time to build a partnership. David Marshal looked good for his brief 14 before he too was trapped in leg before and Colin Hylands showed glimpses of brilliance for a quickfire 16 before he was bowled. Lyness continued to play his shots taking 18 of one over which included two consecutive sixes over mid off. Eventually he tried one shot too many and was out for a entertaining 78 in what was the highlight of Donaghcloney’s day at Pollock park. I’m sure Lyness will rue the fact he missed out on a hundred but hopefully there will be many more innings like that to come this season.

At 141 for 5 Donaghcloney were looking to get 180-200 but they hadn’t counted on the uprising antipodean star who opens the bowling for Lurgan. He got a hatrick and the Cloney were all out for 141 and were left wondering where it all went wrong. With only a small total to defend things were always going to be an uphill battle for Donaghcloney. Richie Clydesdale took a great catch at mid off to help dismiss Narinja (how he saw the ball through his thatch of hair no one is still quite sure) and there was a small glimmer of hope for the Cloney. Unfortunately catches win matches and the other opening batsmen was dropped twice in 4 balls behind the stumps by a fine spell of outswing bowling from Johnny Stevenson. He went on to score 87 not out and while Matthew Lyttle bowled with aggresion and pace the combination of only 141 on the board and a lightening outfield meant Lurgan cruised home to an easy 9 wicket victory.