Downpatrick take over in pole position

Downpatrick take over in pole position

4 July 2012

DOWNPATRICK returned to winning ways this past Saturday when they recorded a 73-run victory over Donaghcloney in the NCU Ulster Bank Senior League Section 1.

This victory now moves the Strangford Road men into top spot in the league table, with five victories from their six league matches so far this season.

It was surprising that this match even took place, considering the awful weather conditions experienced last week, however, much was owed to Gavin Ringland and his grounds team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the match went ahead as planned.

Downpatrick lost the toss and were put in to bat on a pitch that was in excellent condition despite the recent heavy rain. Downpatrick’s opening partnership of Ben McIlroy and Paul Tate set about their task with determination, both contributing with early boundaries. McIlroy had reached 26 from just 20 balls before he was dismissed in the 6th over.

Erik Laubscher joined Tate at the wicket, and this partnership moved Downpatrick past the century mark. However, before Laubscher could do any further damage with the bat, he was clean bowled by Jonathan Stevenson, departing for 31.

Tate remained in the middle, and he soon reached his second half century of the season. However, as with previous weeks, the home side suffered an all too familiar middle-order collapse.

The wickets of James Magowan, Gavin Ringland and Justin Rea fell for an accumulated total of just two runs, leaving Downpatrick in danger on 127-5 with 20 overs remaining.

Fresh from his half century against North Down last week, the ever-reliable Dale Mullan came to the crease. Mullan and Tate steadied the Downpatrick ship, advancing the score to 166 before Tate was dismissed by Tim McClure, bringing the end to a fine innings of 83.

Downpatrick’s tail-order batsmen provided little resistance against the Donaghcloney bowling attack. Mullan remained defiant, and continued to score runs right to the end of the innings, finishing unbeaten on 38. Downpatrick were all out for 211 in the 46th over, very much a total that could be defended. However, Downpatrick captain James Magowan will be disappointed that there were not stronger contributions from the middle and tail order.

The visitors’ response started slowly, as Downpatrick’s opening bowling partnership of Justin Rea and John Wheeler restricted Donaghcloney to 30 runs off the first 10 overs. The pivotal breakthrough came in the 11th over, when Wheeler trapped Donaghcloney professional Nagade LBW.

Justin Rea claimed his first wicket of the day soon after, aided by a good catch by Phil Moreland. With the score on 55-2, the home side quickly gained a foothold in the match with two further wickets via Dan Carson and a second for Rea.

The Donaghcloney middle-order provided little resistance. Carson added a second wicket to leave the visitors in trouble on 93-5 with 20 overs remaining.

Fellow spinner Phil Moreland added two wickets of his own soon after, and James Magowan chipped in with a wicket of his own, leaving Donaghcloney stranded on 133-8.

It was left to Downpatrick’s Australian professional Erik Laubscher to mop up the Donaghcloney tail-enders. Laubscher claimed the final two wickets to dismiss the visitors for 138, leaving Downpatrick comfortable victors by 73 runs.

It was a powerful bowling display from Downpatrick, with all bowlers contributing throughout.

However, Downpatrick skipper James Magowan will be looking for improvements in the middle and tail-order batting ranks ahead of this Saturday’s league fixture against a strong Derriaghy side.

• UPS Man of the Match: Paul Tate.