Gordon Scott
In the top of the table clash at Strangford Road leaders Lurgan took a decisive step towards the title with a comfortable 8 wicket win over the home side. The Co. Down side batted first and skipper Paul Tate led the way with a half century but he lacked support and a final total of 141 was well below par. In reply Lurgan’s Indian professional Niranjan Godbole added to his earlier bowling analysis of 3-14 with a fine 71 not out and, in partnership with Bruce Topping (60no), guided the visitors to an important victory. With 4 matches to play Lurgan have 40 points and must be favourites to return to the Premier League after a 12 month absence.
Also still well in contention are Carrickfergus (on 36 points from 13 matches) who overcame Holywood at Middle Road in a rain affected match. The home side’s total of 182-5 provided a target of 193 in 30 overs under D/L and the visitors got close in their reply, finishing only 9 runs adrift in a thrilling climax. Michael Gilmour with 82 top scored for the home side while professional Mandar Dhumke was best for Holywood with 61.
In a remarkable match at Uprichard Park the home side dismissed Templepatrick for 69 and reached their target for the loss of only 3 wickets. Bangor’s opening bowler Taj Kwelu finished with the amazing figures of 7 – 7 – 0 – 5!! Being only 16 years of age Taj was restricted to only 7 overs but he certainly made an impact with the prized scalps of in form Jay Hunter and professional Bob Homani in his first over.
Derriaghy maintained their safe middle of the table position with an emphatic 8 wicket win over relegated Dundrum at the Meadow. The home side batted better than of late with a total of 173 with Gavin McNerlin best with 60 and Wayne Hughes taking 4-11. In reply the visitors reached their target with some ease with Craig Lewis to the fore with 72no and professional Kaushik Aphale next with 59no.
Finally Cliftonville slipped into a relegation place with a defeat at the hands of Woodvale at
Ballygomartin Road where their total, batting first, of 156 was competitive on a slow wicket. Professional Avadhoot Dandekar top scored with 50 and Matthew McCord weighed in with 49 while Richard McBride took 4-18. In reply the home side were indebted to Jonathan Burnside whose unbeaten 47 clinched a valuable win.
NEXT FIXTURES
Saturday 23 August
Bangor v Holywood
Carrickfergus v Lurgan
Cliftonville v Derriaghy
Downpatrick v Dundrum
Woodvale v Templepatrick
Sunday 24th August
Bangor v Derriaghy
P W T L NR/V Pts
Lurgan 14 10 0 4 0 40
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Carrickfergus 13 9 0 4 0 36
Downpatrick 12 8 0 4 0 32
Woodvale 13 7 0 6 0 28
Bangor 14 7 0 7 0 28
Derriaghy 14 7 0 7 0 28
Holywood 12 6 0 6 0 24
Templepatrick 12 6 0 6 0 24
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Cliftonville 14 6 0 8 0 24
Dundrum 14 0 0 14 0 0 R