NORTH Down had the opportunity to move to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a win against old rivals Waringstown, but instead it was the visitors who prevailed by 140 runs at the Green to take hold of pole position.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first on a flat wicket, Waringstown’s opening partnership of Sam Topping and Adam Dennison scored quickly during the powerplay as the Villagers looked to set a big total.
Peter Davison got the initial breakthrough for North Down as Dennison was caught at mid-wicket with the score on 84 and Irish international James McCollum went cheaply a few overs later. Brothers Sam and Morgan Topping put together a 49-run partnership before Jacob McClure-Dalzell got the wicket of Morgan just before the drinks break to leave Waringstown 138-3.
In the second half wickets fell at regular intervals but the runs kept coming as the visitors posted a score of 282-9. Sam Topping top scored with 97. Ally Shields took three wickets, while Craig Young and Davison finished with two apiece.
In reply, North Down’s innings never really got up and running. All-rounder Mo Aahil top scored with 42 but was caught and bowled by ex-North Down man James Cameron-Dow. Both Liam Hayman and Steven Saul were dismissed shortly after with the total on 83 and wickets lost. Peter Davison and Stuart Nelson added 33 for the sixth wicket but this wasn’t enough and further wickets fell quickly as the home side were bowled out for just 142.
This weekend sees North Down take on second placed Woodvale at the Green before they travel to the Castle Grounds on Sunday for a clash with Cliftonville Academy. Both matches are due to start at 11.00am.
Fourths get back to winning ways
KEEN to make amends for defeat in an earlier cup fixture, North Down’s 4th XI welcomed Victoria Thirds to Comber on Saturday.
The young North Down attack bowled with accuracy and intent throughout and while Marty Moreland bucked the age profile, his years of experience came to the fore as he and Joel Parker put the squeeze on in the middle overs, followed by Zac Parker and Ben Ewart to complete 23 overs of spin.
Visitors Victoria struggled to build partnerships as the innings reached 112 for nine after the 30 overs. The under-15 opening pair of Josh Parker and Ben Ewart started positively with the 50-partnership reached in the seventh over, before both fell to loose shots as they looked to accelerate. Ewart in particular looked dangerous and appeared to be coasting towards his 50.
It was left to Ollie Keenan and overseas Clayton Warner to finish proceedings. Keenan’s clean ball-striking continued as he battered the trees and houses at the far end of the ground, meanwhile Clayton was happy to play the support role in what was to be the only successful outcome of the day for the affable South African (did someone mention the rugby?)
Kennan registered his sixth six of the day on the first ball of the 14th over as the locals enjoyed a comprehensive eight-wicket victory.
VCC 112-9 30 overs T Quinn 21, Joal Parker 3-14, B Ewart 2-23)
NDCC 118-2 (Josh Parker 20, B Ewart 45, O Keenan 40 n.o)
Fixtures
Saturday, July 20
M1 vs Woodvale (h)
M2 vs Woodvale (a)
M3 vs Instonians (h)
Sunday, July 21
M1 vs Cliftonville Academy (a)
W1 vs CSNI (h)
M2 vs Muckamore (a) Ulster Plate SF
M4 vs Belfast Superkings (a)
