By Ryan Haire
PROFESSIONAL Mike Erlank combined with teammate Mo Aahil for a remarkable 313 as North Down got off to a winning start in the Irish Cup, beating North County on their own turf.
A huge first innings score of 355 for 6 in 50 overs, led by a magnificent performance from Erlank (178) and another century from Aahil, who struck 135, set the home side a daunting target, but they came out fighting in the second innings.
Earlier in the day, North Down lost the runless Kian Hilton, and when Stevie Saul departed for just four, the visitors looked somewhat vulnerable at 6 for 2.
Erlank and Aahil set about a rescue act however, and boundaries were soon flowing as the pair accelerated the scoring and ultimately constructed what must be a record partnership for any North Down side, registering 321 runs over the next 45 overs.
Aahil, who has been in good form, scored 50 from 66 balls and Erlank also took 66 balls, as the pair moved the score to 150 in 27 overs.
The duo kicked on, with their next 50 coming in 8 overs, followed by the 250 mark being reached in the 42nd over, providing a launchpad for a final push.
Erlank’s hundred arrived first, in 116 balls, and Aahil recorded his second century in as many weeks from the same amount of balls, with the home side trying desperately to get a breakthrough and stem the flow of runs at a ground known for its high scores.
The North Down pair brought their combined total to 300 in 45 overs, as both crashed boundaries, before Erlank departed in the 47th over, with the score on 327.
It was a magnificent innings from the experienced South African all-rounder, who could push the side to reach such big scores regularly, boasting the knowledge and ability to be able to read the game and accelerate the innings when required.
Aahil also departed with the first ball of the final over, for his top knock of 135 – a mature innings and one which will provide much-needed confidence for the big games ahead against the top NCU sides.
Captain Tryon Koen, who had spent much time watching the magnificent partnership, became the fifth wicket to fall, striking just eight balls.
Irish international Craig Young, in his first outing of the season for North Down, lasted only one ball, departing for zero, but Harry Zimmerman and Parker made small contributions with one run apiece, leaving the score at a seemingly insurmountable 355 for 5.
In response, North County showed their fighting attitude, making early in-roads into the batting line-up, as Criag Young, who was bowling with good pace, got both openers and left the hosts at 24 for 2 after four overs.
Safi, who went on to record a superb 93, staged a fight-back alongside Richardson and Grassi, taking the total to 99, before Richardson was dismissed LBW by Zimmerman.
Grassi and Safi, the two standout bats for the home side, continued at pace and moved the score past 150. They stretched their response to 200, in only 22 overs, bringing their team into the game and possibly making them favourites at that point.
Grassi mistimed McClure Dalzell and was caught by Aahil for a crucial wicket, with the score on 207, and when Safi departed at 233 and 23 overs, momentum swung back towards North Down.
Wickets began to fall steadily as the North County tail failed to wag, with and professional Erlank capturing two victims and Zimmerman bowling a second opponent.
In the end, the County simply ran out of wickets and the innings closed in the 44th over, with North County all out for 327, giving the travelling North Down the win by 28 runs.
The Comber side will now turn focus to the Premier League campaign, taking on a CI team which will provide a test for Koen and his side.
With relegation on hold this year, CI have opted to not engage a professional, and although they are a young, talented side, North Down will be hoping to bat first and continue their high-scoring start to the season.
