Templepatrick see off Millpark

MILLPARK were out not only for revenge against Templepatrick at Banford Green on Sunday.

They were also hunting important points as they seek to secure their League 2 status for 2013.

Batting first, the Tullylish men could not have got off to a worse start. After just five overs they were languishing on 13-4 with Stu McCart, Ben Talbot, Keith Dempster and Steven Leckey back in the pavilion.

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Templepatrick opening bowler Kernoghan had accounted for ll four batsmen with a fantastic opening spell.

Davy Glover then joined Charlie McCrum at the crease and they rebuilt, taking the score up to 43 before Glover was out for 17. Darrell Martin then played a responsible innings of 16, helping McCrum to add a further 32.

Although still in a weak position, at least Millpark were making a match of it. After the fall of captain Jason Maxwell for four Paul McCart came to the crease. Having lived in England for some years, McCart has returned to live at home. His first innings on his return however, was an anticlimax as he prodded tamely at his first ball and was caught at short midwicket.

McCart’s uncle, veteran Stevie, showed his nephew the way make sure a team’s tail wag, taking the attack to the Templepatrick on his way to a useful 18. John Simpson, who has had a disappointing season with the bat then joined McCrum, and they took the score up to 149 before the number 11 was out for seven.

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McCrum had carried his bat through the whole Millpark innings, a stoical effort from the former Irish international. He finished his innings on 60 not out.

It was essential that Millpark make a good start and took early Templepatrick wickets. Unfortunately it just did not happen, as the Templepatrick openers put on 68. Stephen Leckey (0-35) and Darrell Martin (3-19) had bowled with great control, without creating any really openings.

The best bowling performances for Millpark came during Darrell Martin’s second spell, when he took three valuable wickets, as the home team made a fight of it, and in Davy Glover’s spell.

The latter took 2-22 in his 10 overs. This included a period of 26 balls when no runs were scored from his bowling. In fact, he conceded just one run off the bat in a period of 35 deliveries.

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Millpark certainly made a fight of the match, taking six wickets, but in truth Templepatrick were comfortable winners. Paul McCart was at least able to take couple of positives from his performance, bagging a slip catch and then taking a wicket with his off spin.

Special mention must go to the Millpark groundstaff. In extremely challenging conditions, they worked night and day to make sure this game was played.