Village Seconds team top Junior League Three

Donaghcloney won the toss and elected to bat first but things did not go to plan. Opener Richard Lyttle chipped a leg side wide back to the bowler in the third over to give Waringstown an early breakthrough.

Not long after Shane Warren was caught in the slip corridor by Jack Carson. Richard Clydesdale in at 3 was then adjudged to be out LBW and then Jonny Dowds was out in identical circumstances as Richard Lyttle, leaving the score at 12-4 and the visitors were in control.

At the crease now stood Brian Lyttle and Rory Woods. A match saving partnership of 73 runs including 5 sixes between the pair brought the game back into even balance.

Rory Woods was finally caught on a very well played 50. Brian Lyttle soon followed for a solid 22 leaving the score at 95-6. A solid 16 not out from Kyle Weir and some poor bowling from Waringstown totalling 25 extras ensured Donaghcloney were eventually dismissed for 136 in in only 23 overs with 17 unused.

Donaghcloney knew they would have to produce a tremendous effort with the ball to win the game. However, things started smoothly for Waringstown reaching 33 before William Fisher claimed the first of his 3 wickets. Rory Woods opened the bowling but perhaps the knock of 50 had taken some steam out of him as Waringstown saw him off without any grave scare. This then brought Shane Warren on who finished with fine figures of 3-27. By the time William Fisher and Shane Warren had finished their spells Waringstown stood 80-6. Brian Lyttle and Richard Lyttle then took their turn at bowling both claiming a wicket each in what was to be a tense finish.

By the time Brian and Richard had finished their spells, Waringstown stood on 115-8. They now needed 22 runs with 2 wickets remaining and 6 overs to get it. With Waingstown needing 8 runs to win the decision was taken to bring on Donaghcloney’s youngest player. This was a very nervous moment for young Conor Woods who had already impressed with the ball earlier this season.

With the first ball he bowled Mark Fitzpatrick, who top edged a good length ball to a fielder at short fine leg who happened to be Rory Woods, Conor’s big brother. Donaghcloney had done it. They had got their final wicket with 8 runs to spare.

A marvellous team effort in field backed up with good bowling ensured Donaghcloney II now go to the top of Junior league 3 with all teams having lost a match.