Defeat for Derriaghy in season opener

DERRIAGHY got their Ulster Bank league season off to a disappointing start on Saturday going down by the narrow margin of 2 wickets at The Factory Ground against Donaghcloney. Winning the toss was always going to be vital and the home side won it and inserted Derriaghy. With the pitch giving a lot of assistance the home side used 4 spin bowlers all of whom took wickets as the visitors struggled to 106 all out.
Colin Crookshanks batting for Derriaghy during Saturday's match against Donacloney. US1319-525cdColin Crookshanks batting for Derriaghy during Saturday's match against Donacloney. US1319-525cd
Colin Crookshanks batting for Derriaghy during Saturday's match against Donacloney. US1319-525cd

Derriaghy put up a great fight trying to defend their modest total and looked to be in a winning position when Donaghcloney were reduced to 80 for 8. However stubborn resistance by their Indian professional Mansi Nigade saw then home without further loss. Mansi was by far the top run scorer on the day with 46 not out while Mark Stinson on debut for the Queensway side picked up 4 wickets for 30 runs and Scott Hughes 2.

This Saturday sees Derriaghy host North West side Ardmore in the All Ireland National cup while on Sunday they travel over the Glenshane Pass to face Newbuildings at Donemana in the Ulster Shield 40 over competition. Next Thursday evening at Queensway Woodvale are the visitors for a T20 Shield clash starting at 6.15pm.

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Meanwhile the 2nd XI got their league campaign off to the best possible start last Saturday with a comprehensive 87 run win over Donaghcloney. Batting first Derriaghy amassed an impressive 210 from their 40 overs Everyone contributed but particular mention must go to openers Stephen Cairnduff and Dean Ferris. They batted extremely well in testing conditions and both made half centuries, Stephen eventually out for 56 whilst Ferris top scored with 68. Stephen Gorman with 36 and Colin Crookshanks 26 also chipped in with useful runs.

In reply Donaghcloney never looked like reaching the target of 211 and notable bowling performances came from Simon Gilmore with 4 wickets for 24 runs in 8 overs and teenager Travis Moorhead who got his first senior 5 for ending with figures of 5 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs. Derriaghy have no game this weekend but will hope to carry this level of performance throughout the rest of the season.

On Monday Derriaghy 3rd XI entertained Victoria II at Queensway in a Bank Holiday clash winning by 3 wickets. Victoria won the toss and batted first limping to 91 all out in 33 overs. Derriaghy bowled tightly throughout and particular mention must go to Simon Gilmore who took 3 wickets for 21 runs in his 7 overs and also schoolboy Daniel Ballantyne who returned with figures of 3 for 12 in his 7 overs. It was a youthful Derriaghy team with 8 players aged 21 or under and this was reflected in an energetic fielding display.

In response Derriaghy slumped to 21-3 in 7 overs thanks to some poor shots in response to accurate bowling. Opener Ferris accumulated 23 before being 5th man out, falling LBW with 30 runs still required to win. With 2 further wickets falling quickly it was young wicketkeeper Reece Scott who steadied matters batting calmly and without fear to reach 18 not out and see his side through to victory. An improvement will be needed this Saturday as the 3rd XI travel to play Holywood.

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