Derriaghy’s ‘centurions’

In what many believe to be a first in the club’s history, Matthew Ballantyne opened the batting for the 2nd XI at home to Laurelvale, and hit a superb 154 before being out with only 5 balls left of his sides allotted overs.

Along with Ross Bailey the pair put on 184 for the 1st wicket before Bailey fell for a hard hitting 84. Matthew carried on his exciting innings striking several maximums adding 77 for the 3rd wicket with Colin Crookshanks (28 no) before being third out in the final over. Derriaghy eventually finished on 303 for 4 in their 40 overs, as Derriaghy claimed a massive 175 run victory.

At the same time as the runs were flowing at Queensway, Derriaghy Thirds player Robert Cumins was also rattling up a century, 112 to be exact, at Ward Park against Bangor Thirds in a Lindsay Minor Cup game. Stuart Hughes’ men had to endure 35 overs in the field first as the home side with the help of 100 from Jack Elliott scored 212 for 1.

In reply Cumins went to town striking the ball all over the park and although he departed near the end for a thrilling ton it was enough to see his side through to a 4 wicket win. Nathan Cartmill with a solid 32 not out also made a major contribution to the team’s victory and Derriaghy are now at home to Saintfield Thirds in the second round in 2 weeks.

On Sunday the Thirds were in league action at Carrick where they recorded their 4th win out of 4 played. After dismissing the home side for 110, Robert Cumins again showed his talent with the bat hitting an undefeated half century as Derriaghy ran out 8 wicket winners. This Saturday the Firsts are at home to Woodvale