FOLLOWING the disappointment of Wednesday’s defeat, the Downpatrick midweek team knew their hopes of defending their 2023 title were all but over with a series of unlikely results in other games needed, as well as avoiding defeat against unbeaten league leaders Lisburn.
This would be no easy feat with a number of regular players unavailable.
Batting first, Lisburn got off to a fast start with the dangerous Patrick Keery taking on Downpatrick’s openers.
Keery fell for 15 in the third over to the bowling of Samuel Irwin, deceived by an in-swinging delivery.
The Lisburn top order all battled steadily but found boundaries hard to come by with Downpatrick’s bowlers all bowling disciplined lines and lengths and being well backed up in the field.
Arun Kumar bowled two overs, conceding just five runs and Alisk Khalandar took two wickets for nine runs in his two overs.
All were delighted when 14 year-old Max Whittaker picked up a wicket, making his debut for the midweek team.
Some late runs by Arslan Majeed took Lisburn to a total of 116, meaning they were restricted to their lowest total of the season by the home side.
Downpatrick’s reply got off to another disastrous start. This time both openers were caught behind in the first two overs and when Arun Kumar was caught trying to change the momentum of the game,
Downpatrick were in all sorts of trouble at three for eight in the third over.
Ravi Ningegowda and Eldo Joseph showed great determination to get Downpatrick back into the game.
When Ravi fell for a well-worked 27, Downpatrick had a chance with 50 needed off the last seven overs.
At this stage Alish was starting to show some aggression and lofted a straight six to bring the run rate down.
Eldo Joseph and Sagar Basheer both chipped in with valuable runs and when skipper Chris Gilmore joined Alish at the crease, Downpatrick needed 38 runs for victory with 28 balls remaining.
Gilmore made sure to give the strike to Alish as he continued to attack the bowlers. With two overs remaining, 20 runs were needed.
Good running and more big hitting got the target to nine off the last over for an unlikely victory.
Alish then played the shot of the night to send a huge six over the clubhouse off a high full toss and there was a moment of controversy as the fielding side hadn’t heard the umpire’s call for a no ball which meant the scores were level.
Alish had to retire as he had recorded 34 off just 22 balls and it was left to Samuel Irwin to hit the winning runs to the delight of the Strangford Road men.
The man of the match was Alish, with two for nine and 34 not out sealing the victory to keep the slim hopes of reaching the knock-out stages alive.