MID-WEEK CRICKET
Defeats for 1sts and 2nds
There were disappointing mid-week results for both men’s cricket teams with the 1sts losing by 6 wickets at Laurelvale and the 2nds losing at home to Bangor III’s by 8 wickets.
In a two-night match at Laurelvale, reduced to 38 overs due to a rain interruption, Lurgan seemed to be in a strong position at 130 for 2, but the departure of Stephen Johnston for 76 signaled a batting collapse with the remaining 7 wickets falling for just 27 runs.
DLS added 2 runs to Lurgan’s overnight total of 161 and the early removal of Laurelvale danger man Malik, who was trapped leg before by Callum Grieve for 21, again seemed to have the town side in a strong position. However, innings of 47 runs each by Thornbury and Sinton saw the ‘Vale ease past the Lurgan total in the 34th over to move 4 points behind the town side at the top of the table with a game in hand.
In a T20 league game reduced to 17 overs a side at Pollock Park, the 2nds lost to Bangor III’s by 8 wkts with the match played in very poor light throughout and the Bangor batting through steady rain.
Batting first, Lurgan lost wickets regularly but a ninth wicket partnership of 35 runs between Harry McDowell (14no) and Mark McShane (16no) saw Lurgan finish saw Lurgan set a target of 99 to win. However, a second wicket partnership of 51 between Houston (24) and McMillan (38no) steered the visitors close to the finish line and they eventually passed the Lurgan total in the 14th over
