Delight as Derriaghy get off to a winning start

In what can best be described as a superb all round team effort, skipper Matthew Jennings heaped praise on his players saying they deserved massive credit after a winters hard work and he was delighted to ‘hit the ground running’.

Having been relegated from the Premier league last year the visitors were favourites on this occasion but despite missing their overseas player Kaushik Aphale and opening bowler Mark Stinson the home side came up trumps. On winning the toss Matthew decided to bat and by the end of their 50 overs was delighted to see 221 for 9 on the board.

Five players made significant contributions to this total with Andrew Kenny top scoring with 45, Jennings himself added 40 and shared in a 63 run third wicket stand with Ross Bailey (29). Having then slipped to 148 for 7 it was Kenny Gilliland with 37 and a rapid 31 from Stuart McAllister who boosted the total over 200 as they shared a brisk eighth wicket stand of 72.

Derriaghy knew that the Lurgan pro N Godbole was a solid run scorer and would probably have to get him out early if they were to mount a serious challenge. Craig Lewis having removed opener S Johnston then produced a peach of a delivery to remove the dangerous Godbole for 0 and give the home side ever reason to smell success.

Tidy spells of 10 overs each from Scott Hughes who finished with 3 for 43 and twin brother Wayne with 1 for 31 keep Lurgan in check but they were finding Steven Chambers in solid form as he keep his side edging towards the required total.

Having made a significant contribution of 86 Chambers was then removed by the returning Gilliland (1 for 26) and it was Lewis who wrapped up the tail with another 3 wickets for a splendid haul of 5 for 23 and seal a well deserved win. At the conclusion captain Jennings said that this was just the first game of a long season but having witnessed the manner in which the team played he was confident it augers well for the challenges ahead.

Next up for the Queensway men on Saturday is another home game this time against the might of Downpatrick, last season’s league runners up. Alfie will have arrived in time for this game and Mark Stinson should also be available for selection. The game is due to get underway at 1pm. This is quickly followed by a trip on Monday to face many people’s favourites for league honours Carrickfergus.