Lurgan Cricket Club

It was with sadness that members of Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club learned of the passing of former 1stXI cricket captain Raymond Hunter. Raymond was an exceptionally talented sportsman excelling at both cricket and rugby, playing both at the highest level. He won 10 caps for Ireland in the old Five Nations competition between 1962 and 1966 and also toured with the British and Irish Lions.

But it is with cricket that he will be most fondly remembered for at Pollock Park. Raymond was an all-rounder, a medium pace bowler and right handed batsmen, winning 28 caps for Ireland and captaining the team 3 times, his best performance being in the 1961 match against the MCC when he claimed 5 wickets for just 22 runs. In total he scored over 800 runs including three half centuries and took 33 wickets with the ball at international level. Raymond started his cricket career at Lisburn but moved to Lurgan in the 1960’s. He made many memorable performances for the town side, but his most influential game was probably in the 1972 Senior Challenge Cup Final, when he top scored with crucial knocks of 87no and 65no to ensure the trophy came to Lurgan for the first time. All three of Raymond’s sons, Alan, Neil and Graeme, followed in their father’s footsteps at the club, all playing with distinction for the 1stXI. Off the field Raymond served for many years on the cricket section committee and was instrumental in the development of the cricket square and the grounds in general when the rugby and cricket clubs amalgamated in the mid-seventies and cricket eventually moved to Pollock Park in 1980.

To his wife Maureen, sons Alan, Neil and Graeme and daughter Susan and their extended families, we send our deepest sympathies. 

It was with regret that we learned today of the passing of Victor Malcomson at the age of 97. Victor was the oldest and longest serving member of the club having been a founder member of Lurgan Cricket Club.
Victor recently recalled how was contacted by Waringstown Cricket Club at the end of the 2^nd World War and asked if he could put together a team to travel out to play the villagers. Victor duly assembled the team and he said that the players enjoyed the game so much that they held a meeting in his house the following week and reformed Lurgan Cricket Club. He played with distinction for many years for the club, held various offices and took part in youth coaching for many seasons. He was a regular attendee at Lurgan games and various club functions at Pollock Park and will be greatly missed by us all. We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family circle.

Due to current Covid 19 circumstances those wishing to pay their respects may do so as the cortege leaves Hill Street Presbyterian Church this Friday 6^th November at 12.45pm en route to Lurgan Cemetery observing social distancing.

Below – Victor pictured in his playing days and with his good friend Alvin McMurray

Lurgan Ladies lost out to CSNI in an entertaining Senior Cup semi-final at Pollock Park on Sunday. Lurgan batted first and good innings by Sarah McCallan(28), Sophie Hinds (25no) and Emma McMurray (21) saw the home side complete their 20 overs on 113 for 2 wkts.  In reply, the CSNI innings got off to a slow start. However a solid 2nd wicket partnership by Thomas (44) and Rountree (25no) plus a few missed catches steered the visitors into a winning position. A late flurry of wickets for the Lurgan girls wasn’t enough as the CSNI passed the Lurgan score with 5 wickets in hand to meet Waringstown in the final.

Sophie Hinds who scored 25no today

Emma McMurray who scored 21 with the bat and took 1 for 18 with the ball in the cup semi-final today