Ally McCalmont
The Lagan Valley Steels T20 final series continues on Thursday 17th July with the Final of the T20 Trophy between Carrickfergus and Dereriaghy at Middle Road, the home of Carrickfergus CC.
It is a special day for the East Antrim club as the team itself have managed to battle their way from a preliminary round to win three games and reach the final on their own patch. Relegated from the Premier league two seasons ago, Carrick took time last season to find their feet in the Senior One.
This season however, they have performed particularly well in cup competitions and this will be the first of they hope three finals this year. Carrick skipper Iain Parkhill said: “The boys have worked hard to reach this final, especially with it being on our home ground. Games against Derriaghy have always been closely fought and they are a great bunch of lads who play the game tough. I am sure this one will be no exception as both sides have some explosive players in their line up.”
In the opposing corner is Derriaghy. The Dunmurry based club have beaten Templepatrick and then Bangor in a high scoring semi-final to reach Thursday’s showpiece. The ‘Aghy reached the National Cup Final last season and are looking to go one better in this T20 Final.
Speaking on behalf of the T20 skipper Craig Lewis, regular Saturday captain Matty Jennings said: “This is our fourth major final since 2011 but we haven’t managed a success just yet. I think we might be underdogs here with Carrick’s recent form but the lads enjoy the challenge and intensity of games against them. Derriaghy also recognise the hard work going on off the pitch to make this a special spectator driven event. Well done to the Carrick club and let’s hope the players can respond.”
In hosting the game Carrick are looking to put on a top class night for both regular and not so regular cricket followers The usual mix of music, barbeques and general fun will be on show alongside what promises to be a cracking game of T20 cricket. Derriaghy are likely to bring decent support with them so there should be a lively atmosphere at Middle Road.
Extra car parking has been secured so everyone is welcome to come and check out what promises to be a big night for both clubs. The game is due to start at 6.15pm on Thursday 17th July at Middle Road Carrickfergus.