Lurgan still in relegation crisis

The threat of relegation increased as Lurgan lost another two games at the weekend in the Ulster Bank Section 1 league.

On Saturday away to Bangor at Upritchard Park, a poor all round display led to a 142 run defeat. On an overcast day Bangor, put in to bat, got away to an excellent start with 28 runs on the board after the first 4 overs. Scoring continued steadily throughout the innings with the Lurgan bowling and fielding lacking any real penetration. Virtually all of the Bangor batsmen contributed to the innings and a total of 255 for 5 wkts looked a tough score to chase.

In reply the Town batsmen never threatened to get near the home sides total. Only Neil Anderson with 20 runs offered any resistance and the Lurgan innings crumbled to 95 all out.

On Sunday, a nine man Lurgan team with only 4 regulars in the side lost heavily by 10 wickets to Woodvale at Ballygomartin Road. Batting first Lurgan set the Belfast side a target of 148 to win with Stephen Johnston scoring 56 and Niranjan Godbole 41. With limited bowling options it was never going to be enough and Woodvale passed the Lurgan score without losing any wickets.

Lurgan are now second bottom of the league on net run rate from Ballymena who also have 2 wins but played two more games. This Thursday night’s T20 league clash with bottom side Saintfield at Pollock Park is a crucial clash if the Town side expect to stay in Section 1.

The ball used by Lurgan in the game at Bangor was kindly sponsored by Rodney Smylie and the ball used at Woodvale by Alan Jones.

 

You may also like...