Double triumphs for Downpatrick

9 July 2025

DOWNPATRICK seconds got their league campaign off and running with two wins against Cregagh thirds at home and away over the weekend.

Led by Shreyas Varadachar, a 49 run win at The Meadow on Saturday was spearheaded by John McGrath, who scored 38 runs and took two wickets opening the bowling.

Batting first, Downpatrick set Cregagh a target of 132 thanks mainly to McGrath (38) and Alex Daniel (27).

Downpatrick’s defence with the ball was flawless. Whilst McGrath was unplayable (4-0-14-2), Alex Daniel and Sam Magowan also bowled extremely well, picking up two wickets apiece, along with Ben Connolly who only went for eight runs off the bat in his four overs.

Cregagh’s reply ended in just the 18th over as Downpatrick sealed their first win of the season in some style.

Sunday’s match was a much closer encounter. Electing to bat first, Downpatrick posted a total of 148, thanks mainly to a superb innings by Jobin Jacob, who scored 53 runs at the top of the order.

Jobin was ably assisted by Shyam Raj (20) and Arun Geethakumari (16). With a quick-fire 29 off just 13 balls from Jacob Vinod, Downpatrick went into the interval confident of defending their innings total.

Cregagh’s reply got off to a shaky start when Anoop Joseph penetrated the defences of their top order. Anoop returned figures of 2-17 off his allotted 5 overs with a fine exhibition of swing bowling.

Stuart Smyth and young Caleb De Silva steadied the ship for Cregagh with a partnership of 96, but Downpatrick controlled the game in the field throughout, with Ben Connolly and Jake Larmour fielding like demons and leading by example.

When Smyth and De Silva were dismissed in the 23rd and 24th overs by Shyam Raj and Jacob Vinod respectively, the game was up for Cregagh and Downpatrick sealed the win.

Match balls kindly sponsored by Hanlons, Downpatrick, and Oakley Fayre, Downpatrick.

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