Disappointment as Lisburn suffer one wicket defeat

Lisburn can thank Darryl Brown for their more than decent tally of 249 for 8 in their 50 overs.

The professional scored an incredible 103 not out from 85 deliveries but his efforts were trumped by ex Lisburn player, Nathan Waller who struck a fantastic 135 not out from just 94 balls taking his team to the winning post with only a single delivery left in the game.

Lisburn won the toss on a bright and dry afternoon and decided to bat first and Adam Berry and Robert Rankin had little trouble in adding 29 for the first wicket in five overs before Berry was caught off Nathan Waller for 3 and Rankin quickly followed in the 6th over, also caught for a sharp 21.

Lisburn’s ace batsman, Craig Ervine settled the innings with Richard Simpson as his partner and the pair put on 72 for the 3rd wicket in only 18 overs before Simpson was out in the 24th over, debatably lbw for a valuable 15.

Worse was to follow when Ervine, having scored an attractive 47 was also out questionably, again lbw as Lisburn slumped to 109 for 4 in the 27th over but hope was at hand as Darryl Brown took his place at the crease partnered by ‘new boy’ James Magowan.

Magowan, still carrying a finger injury, mistimed a pull shot in the 28th over and unfortunately was out for a ‘duck’ in his first innings for his new club. He was swiftly followed by skipper Davey Simpson and Mark Berry as Lisburn reached the precarious position of 134 for 7.

Stephen Allen joined Brown at the wicket and with the pro beginning to take command and striking the ball with some power, the pair added 61 in 7 overs before Allen was bowled for 5 in the 41st over.

Darryl Brown reached his 50 in quick time but along with the stubborn Richard McConkey he swung the match in Lisburn’s favour with a blistering second 50 in just 18 balls. He struck four sixes with one into the pavilion and 11 boundaries in a century which was completed off the very last ball of the 50th over. Brown and McConkey had added no less than 84 in 10 overs. The 49th over went for 17 and the final over was dispatched for 26 leaving Lisburn on the imposing total of 249 for 8 with Brown 103 not out and McConkey also not out for an invaluable 18.

Having slumped to 134 for 7, the recovery to 249 was unlikely but the fierce hitting of Lisburn’s pro gave his team a fighting chance.

CI began their innings also in quick fashion and when ex Lisburn player Nathan Waller was at the crease he was looking dangerous. He began cautiously, however, when Waller cut loose completely he struck sixes to all parts of the ground; one in particular clearing the pavilion, a massive carry. He continued, with the help of the active Matchett to take his team to the brink with just 5 runs required off the final over.

The pendulum swung again towards Lisburn when Matchett was brilliantly caught by Craig Ervine at mid off for a valuable 18 but with two balls left in the game the winning single was struck by Waller who remained 135 not out in one of the most remarkable innings seen for some time. In just 94 balls his innings included 5 boundaries and no less than 10 sixes. Lisburn had found their former player in top form and with added concentration since changing clubs.

Lisburn’s bowling had been reasonable until Waller began to systematically take them apart. Craig Ervine was by far the pick with 4 for 49 off his 10 overs. Davey Simpson took 1 for 59, Darryl Brown 2 for 35 while Carl Williams bowled his 7 overs for 29. Tomorrow (Saturday), Lisburn hope to get their points tally underway when they visit Ballymena. Although never easy, captain Davey Simpson will be taking the pluses out of their narrow defeat into consideration and a win should be likely.