Millpark to the double after an Ard day’s work

Ryan McCart was on fire on Sunday, batting his way to 85 off just 10 overs. INBL1333-MILLPARK1

With the sun shinning and the pitch drier than it had been for the previous day’s win over Donaghadee, skipper Paul McCart was happy to win the toss and have a bat.

Once again, Stu McCart departed early but that allowed brother Ryan to come to the crease. Unavailable the previous day, he was keen to make up for it.

He batted beautifully alongside Davy Glover (51), dispatching the ball to all parts of the scenic ground. Ards were even forced to borrow a ball from Millpark.

Unfortunately as he neared a ton, a rarity in 40 overs even less so in a 20 over game, he was well caught on the boundary, finishing on 85 in only 10 overs.

As you would expect, the Ards players celebrated wildy but they didn’t realise the next man in was the previous day’s hero Ben Talbot. With only a few overs remaining, he added a quick 26 not out.

That meant Millpark finished on a formidable 202-3 in 20 overs.

If Ards were to have any chance of reaching the target, they needed a quick start and they got it.

P Nihell and S Kahn took the attack to Millpark and after six overs were 50 for no loss.

However, the introduction of Glover quickly slowed the Ards impetus, removing Nihell with his first ball.

New man Roberts continued to attack and alongside Khan, Ards were very much in the game.

Despite being hit for some lofty blows though, McCart persevered with David Maxwell and he was rewarded when Maxwell cleaned bowled the dangerous Khan for 41.

Stu McCart then took two wickets in two balls ending any chance Ards had of reaching Millpark’s score. Ards finished on 114-9 with Millpark winning by 88 runs.

Next week, Millpark are on the road, as the First XI make the trip to Monaghan for the first time in their history looking to protect their perfect start to the Section Three season.