Derriaghy CC remain on course to lift the league title

Both sides won their respective games on Saturday but Muckamore’s match 2 against Downpatrick on Sunday was washed out and now void so no points were gained.

The equation for the Queensway men now is that if they gain maximum points in their remaining two games, away to Woodvale this ured 2 wickets for Saturday and then at home to Templwpatrick the following week they will be champions.

Against Muckamore it was captain Craig Lewis who once again dominated the batting hitting 70 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Unfortunately after his dismissal in the 16th over none of the remaining batsmen could increase the tempo and the home side had to settle for 139 for 5. Craig opened the bowling along with Mark Stinson and after 5 overs they had captured 3 wickets and conceded only 18 runs.

A further man was dismissed in the 30s and the home side knew that only a big innings by ex Ireland international Ryan Haire would prevent a win. Haire did not disappoint his supporters hitting 50 in a 80 run partnership with N Gill (45no) as Muckamore got home with 3 wickets and 7 balls to spare.

On Saturday at Donaghcloney the home side batted first and made a respectful 163 all out. Rob Cumins 3 for 29, Curtis Moorhead 2 for 20 and Matthew Jennings 2 for 33 were the most successful of the 7 bowlers used.

On a slow pitch the visitors found scoring difficult when they set about their chase and by the time K Aphale was third out for 21 in the 21st over they had managed only 56.

By this stage Lewis was settling in well and along with Andrew Kenny began developing a match winning partnership. In fact both men seen their team through to the end and record a 7 wicket win. Lewis finished with a superb 71 while Kenny was equalling fluent notching 43.

This Saturday’s game away to Woodvale has a 11am start.

The Second XI also had league success over their Donaghcloney counterparts recording a 5 wicket win. Aaron Kinnin 3 for 17, Simon Gilmore 2 for 12 and Travis Moorhead 2 for 27 were instrumental in restricting the visitors to 117. Kinnin was also the star with the bat hitting 39 while T Moorhead got 30 not out as they sealed their 4th win of the season.

The Third XI did not play at the weekend but were crowned Junior League 6 champions when their only possible challengers Carrick failed to beat the weather thus ensuring Derriaghy the title.

The clubs Under 13 team had a resounding 10 wicket win over Lurgan in mid week and now face Donaghcloney to decide the Division 2 title and Queensway Shield.

The Under 15s recorded their 6th league win in a row away to Holywood and will most likely be declared Premier title winners as nearest challengers Instonians have failed to complete their games at time of writing.