Downpatrick beat leaders

Downpatrick beat leaders

8 August 2012

DOWNPATRICK returned to winning ways following a crucial 71-run victory over league leaders Lurgan at Pollock Park on Saturday afternoon. Despite this impressive victory, the men from the Strangford Road remain in third place in the Senior League Section 1 table.

Bolstered by the return of skipper James Magowan, Downpatrick took to the field to bat after winning the toss. It was Magowan and Paul Tate that began the proceedings for the visitors. Lurgan’s opening bowling partnership of Cameron Grieve and Mark Stinson bowled economically in the initial exchanges, restricting the visitors to just 23 runs from the first 10 overs.

Downpatrick began to add quick singles, and their run rate started to improve with both Tate and Magowan contributing with boundaries. Downpatrick passed the 50-run mark in the 18th over, however, just two runs and two overs later, Tate (29) was back in the pavilion after being bowled by Lurgan’s overseas professional Nirinjan Godbole.

Godbole began to frustrate Magowan and new batting partner Dale Mullan, as the Indian bowled three consecutive maidens to leave Downpatrick on 72-1 at the halfway mark. Mullan departed one over later, bringing Downpatrick’s Australian overseas professional Erik Laubscher to the crease.

Magowan reached his fifth half century of the season in the 30th over, with Downpatrick on 85-2. Laubscher also looked in good form as he scored a handful of early boundaries to set the tone for what was to be a powerful batting display from the young Australian.

Downpatrick were one run short of 100 when Magowan was removed by Lurgan’s Paul Stafford in the 34th over, the Downpatrick captain departing for a patient 58 from 95 balls. Michael Carson (4) and the returning Gavin Ringland (8) added runs, however, both succumbed to LBW decisions to leave the visitors on 118-5 in the 42nd over.

Justin Rea was unfortunately run out one over later following a mid-run slip by Laubscher, Rea sacrificed his wicket to allow the Australian to remain in the middle. This proved to be crucial for Downpatrick, as Laubscher went on to reach his half century just one over later.

Dan Carson (inset)  became Godbole’s third victim in the 46th over, with Downpatrick now sitting on 139-7. Erik Laubscher and John Wheeler added a further 46 runs in the final four overs to advance the visitors total to a respectable 185-8. Laubscher was run out on the last delivery of the innings, departing for an excellent 64 from 66 balls.

Lurgan’s reply started disastrously when opener Peter Maxwell was dismissed by Justin Rea in just the second over, via a good catch by Downpatrick wicketkeeper Paul Tate. This brought the in-form Nirinjan Godbole to the crease.

Worse was to follow for the hosts when their other opening batsman, James McCollum, was removed by John Wheeler, Dan Carson taking the catch. This wicket left the hosts reeling on 19-2 off 9 overs.

Godbole was joined by Lurgan captain Stephen Chambers, and the pair guided the hosts to 44 before Chambers was caught behind off the bowling of young Luca Rea in the 14th over, Paul Tate claiming his second catch of the day.

Rea struck again in the 16th over, trapping Stephen Anderson LBW, leaving Lurgan on 50-4. Godbole remained at the crease, however and the Indian began to add boundaries as he set about rebuilding the Lurgan batting response.

Four wickets soon became five, as Laubscher claimed the crucial wicket of Godbole.

The Lurgan professional departed for 46, with the score on 86, it would be an uphill battle for the league leaders.

One over later and Justin Rea had David Haire run out following some excellent fielding which ended in a direct hit for the Downpatrick opening bowler.

Lurgan then lost three further wickets in the space of four overs to leave the hosts struggling on 103-9, Laubscher and Dan Carson (2) striking for Downpatrick.

It was left to John Wheeler to claim the final wicket for Downpatrick in the 37th over. Wheeler clean bowled tailender Paul Stafford to leave Lurgan all out for 114. Downpatrick emerging victorious by 71 runs.

• UPS man of the match: Erik Laubscher.