Drumaness in Shield heaven

Drumaness in Shield heaven

1 August 2012

DRUMANESS cricketers won the Lagan Valley Steels Shield when they defeated BISC at Shaw’s Bridge in the Twenty20 final last Wednesday.

Electing to field first, Neil Gelston got an almost instant reward when Martin Gartland had Zaheer caught in the third ball of the second over.

Along with Gartland, James Cunningham produced a tight and tidy four over spell, but only got his reward with the last delivery when Alastair Coburn took a simple catch at point and at the end of seven overs BISC were 30 for 2.

The BISC resistance was led by Ismail who produced an innings of solid defence combined with wristy drives on any loose deliveries.

Ismail was easily his team’s top scorer with 37, but got valuable assistance from Patra with 13 and Chetan with 17.

For Drumaness, it was Neil Gelston who was the leading wicket-taker with 3 for 23 in his four overs. Five out of the bowlers used by the Villagers claimed a wicket and generally kept things tight.

The bowling was backed up by good work in the field and this was a performance that reflected the drills employed in practices over the season.

Drumaness had two runs out along with six catches, two of which by Martin Gartland and Alastair Coburn were out of the top drawer.

At the end of their 20 overs, BISC had notched up 108 for 9, leaving Drumaness to score at six runs per over for victory.

An enthusiastic BISC took to the field to defend the 108, but it was Garry Walsh and Neil Gelston who were to take the plaudits. The opening pair complemented each other perfectly as they put on a century partnership.

Garry did survive a couple of scares, but remained alert throughout his undefeated knock.

Neil Gelston played a captain’s innings. He was watchful early on and kept the scoreboard ticking over with shots into the open spaces. When the innings needed to increase in impetus, Neil selected the bad ball and usually found the boundary.

With only nine needed for victory, Gelston played his first loose shot and was well caught by Ashish for 56 which included eight boundaries and one maximum.

With the winning post in sight, both Cunningham and Conor Deegan lost their wicket in trying to finish the game in style.

The winning hit was credited to Neil Walsh who launched the ball over long-off for six, leaving Garry Walsh unbeaten on 36 and his team winners by seven wickets.

Match sponsored by Ballynahinch Motor Factors.

BISC 108 for 9 (Ismail 37, Chetan 17, Patra 13. N Gelston 3 for 23, G Walsh 1 for 14, M Gartland 1 for 16).

Drumaness 111 for 3 (N Gelston 56, G Walsh 36no. Gaurav 2 for 6, Preshand 1 for 11).