ARDMORE EDGED OUT IN NATIONAL CUP FINAL

It wasn’t to be for Ardmore this afternoon as Peter Harrigan’s side lost to Railway Union by just 19 runs in this season’s National Cup decider. There wasn’t much between the sides with the Leinster outfit just about making the most of conditions to claim a narrow victory.

Saad Khan hit 5 fours in his 38 as he top scored for Railway in their 159 all out, but 39 runs from the Dublin side’s final two wickets were to prove crucial. Conor Brolly and Gary Neely claimed three wickets apiece and Jarred Wilson added two as the North West side gave themselves a real chance.

Unfortunately, scoring got no easier in the second innings although it was Wilson again who starred for Ardmore. The all-rounder hit 4 sixes and a four in his 40 in the middle order, and although Ciaran Curley made 31 after that, the bowlers were on top thereafter.

Hashir Sultan with 3-20 and Prabhan Kamal (2-22) kept things tight before Kevin O’Brien (2-29) nosed Railway in front. It was an advantage they weren’t to lose as Ardmore were finally bowled out for 140.

In the Championship, some stunning work from Mark Pollock and Salman Ahmed sent Burndennett back to the top of the table after a 10-wicket win at Newbuildings. Pollock returned figures of 5-5 as the home side were all out for 93- Darnell McCallum’s 33 the best of that.

Ahmed was obviously in a hurry to get home early as he hit 5 fours and 5 sixes in his 28-ball 58 not out while Stephen Wallace made 30 as the visitors needed only 37 balls to clinch the win.

Burndennett are back on top for now with an away trip to Fox Lodge next weekend to complete their programme. Ardmore have two games left, against Killyclooney and the Foxies, knowing two wins will take them back to the Premier Division next season.