Smith bemoans side’s poor shot selection against Woodvale

Templepatrick cricketers raised quite a few eyebrows at the weekend when they were bowled out for a paltry 34 against Woodvale at The Cloughan.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Aug 2015, 08:00 BST
Templepatrick captain Robert Smith hit a half-century against Downpatrick. Photo: Press EyeTemplepatrick captain Robert Smith hit a half-century against Downpatrick. Photo: Press Eye
Templepatrick captain Robert Smith hit a half-century against Downpatrick. Photo: Press Eye

This embarrassment following upon the previous week’s dismissal for only 85 leaves Robert Smith’s lads just above the Senior League Section 1 relegation zone.

Former skipper Richard Greer was the only batsman to emerge with any credit. He opened the batting with current captain Smith and watched while wickets tumbled at the other end, until he was last man out, having scored 13. Nobody else got into double figures.

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Home teenage off-spinner Michael Stewart salvaged some pride when he took both wickets as the Belfast side strolled to 38 for 2.

Templepatrick Under-11 B were defeated by a strong Instonians C side in the regional final. INLT 34-911-CONTemplepatrick Under-11 B were defeated by a strong Instonians C side in the regional final. INLT 34-911-CON
Templepatrick Under-11 B were defeated by a strong Instonians C side in the regional final. INLT 34-911-CON

Asked if the low score was due to a sub-standard wicket, captain Smith said: “Not at all. The problem was poor shot selection, with nobody prepared to dig in and graft.

“I opened the batting with Ricky Greer and after my departure it was downhill all the way. We will have to put in a lot of extra work at practice this week in preparation for the local derby with Academy next weekend,” he said.

Fortunately the two relegation candidates, Cliftonville and Donaghcloney, both lost also, so it is “as you were” at the foot of the table.

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Colin Latham’s 3rd XI beat Laurelvale III by 93 runs in Saturday’s Junior League Section 8 fixture, before recording a five-wicket win at CSNI to move top of the table on Sunday.

Templepatrick Under-11 ‘B’ team showed how much they have progressed this season by reaching the regional final. A strong Instonians ‘C’ side posted 98, with bowlers Dan Solomon, Max Wylie and Finn Lutton taking wickets.

In reply, TCC were all out for 75 with Zac Solomon top-scoring with 18, followed closely by Johnny Campbell on 17.

“The boys have been superb all season, so congratulations for working so hard and progressing so much,” said coach Andy McCrea.

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TCC’s Under-15s defeated Saintfield in the semi-final of the league play-off, setting up a clash with Donaghcloney in the final. Match summary: Saintfield 110-6 (A Reid 19, C Lindsey 26, B Moore 4-20, J Solomon 2-8) Templepatrick 110-7 (R Wallace 43, A Clarke 30, R Murray 2-12, C Maguire 2-20)

Match tied - Templepatrick beat Saintfield after a Golden Over.

Saturday fixtures: 1st XI v Academy; Cregagh II v 2nd XI.

Related topics:Michael Stewart