Thrills and spills on a weekend of drama

It’s still all to play for in the North West T20 competition with just one round of group fixtures to come next weekend after a fantastic day’s action across the region on Saturday.

Top spot in three groups remain up for grabs at the end of a fascinating Saturday afternoon, however Coleraine became the first team to book a senior cup semi-final spot on Sunday when they defeated Ballyspallen.

 

Eglinton v Ballyspallen

The Roe Valley men’s defeat at Eglinton means they stayed winless after five rounds of the competition. ‘Spallen managed just 46 all out on Saturday with Stephen Dunn(4-7) claiming the honours with the ball for Eglinton. Dunn was backed up by Richard Wylie who returned stunning figures of 3 wickets in his three and a half overs without conceding a single run. One of the Jamie Millar’s made 20 not out as Eglinton won by 7 wickets.

 

Brigade v Newbuildings

Up at Beechgrove, spectators were treated to a fantastic game between the top two in that group- Newbuildings and Brigade. Johnny Thompson was bang in the mood against his former team mates as he picked up 4-24 in a superb opening burst. At the other end Jason Dunn chipped in with 2-17 as the home side slumped to 68-7 in the stifling heat. It took stubborn resistance from Ross Allen who made 55 not out to help Brigade to a final total of 120-7, and those runs were to prove crucial.

 

Newbuildings were well in the hunt in the first half of their reply before a hat-trick from Iftikhar Hussain (4-18) stopped them in their tracks. It took the Foyle View side time to recover from that, but despite losing those wickets, they were still in it while Ross Dougherty was in the middle. Heading into the last over, the visitors needed an unlikely 24 to win and although Dougherty hit 17 off it to finish unbeaten on 67, Newbuildings were six short at the line. Brigade will have the chance to finish the job at the Rectory next weekend against a Glendermott side who were well beaten by St Johnston.

 

Glendermott v St Johnston

Bob Robinson made 55 and Mattie Barr 39 as the Bonds Street lads posted 151-7 with David Barnard (4-30) and David Anthony (2-26) best with the ball for the Saints. The Donegal men then took advantage of ideal batting conditions as birthday boy Michael Rankin hit an unbeaten 61 to steer his team to a 7-wicket win.

 

Strabane v Bready

Up at Strabane Park, Alana Dalzell became only the third female to play in a senior North West domestic competition and the young Bready woman showed she was well capable at that level. Alana bowled the crucial 18th and 20th overs for the Magheramason side, conceding just 9 runs in total and despite having two catches put down in her spell. Aaron Gillespie’s 50 was by some margin the highlight of the Red Caps’ total of 115-6 while Dean McCloskey picked up 2-4 for Bready. In reply, David Rankin made 35, Davy Scanlon 28 and Ross Campbell 25 not out in an easy 8 wicket win for the visitors.

 

Donemana v Bonds Glen

Donemana recorded a crushing 10 wicket win at home to Bonds Glen that puts them in the driving seat to head the group. Stephen Barr top scored with 26 not out as the Championship side made 88 for 8 in their 20 overs. Dean Mehaffey and Dwayne McGerrigle claimed three wickets apiece for Donemana while Andy McBrine, making a rare club appearance added a brace. The hosts needed just six overs to rattle off the win- skipper William McClintock hammering 7 sixes and 5 fours in an 18-ball 64 not out.

 

Killyclooney v Ardmore

The now obligatory shock result saw Killyclooney stun Ardmore to win by 11 runs. Darren Moan made 33, Timmy Dougherty 26 not out and Jordan Nelson 26 in ‘Clooney’s 128-6 with Jared Wilson and Sean Gormley each picking up two wickets. Ciaran Curley made 40 and Wilson 24 as Ardmore’s reply began well, however William Finlay (3-21) helped the home side fight back. Heading into the last three overs the Premiership outfit needed 20 to win, but some tight bowling from Killyclooney kept them down to just 8 as they secured the points.

 

Fox Lodge v Burndennett

The final game of the day was even closer as Fox Lodge held off Burndennett by just 2 runs. Jason Milligan hit 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 77 not out as the Ballymagorry side recovered from a shaky start to make 143-6. Mark Heywood chipped in with 28 while Gary Neely claimed the bowling honours with 3-18. Former Foxie Mark Mooney hit 43 and Andy Barr 37 as Burndennett chased hard but needing 3 to win off the final delivery, Jonny Robinson bowled Marty Mehaffey to hand the home team the win. Ross McCay was left stranded on 27 not out as a day of high-quality action ended with a thriller.