Ulster Bank 2008 Opening Weekend Round-up

The week up to the opening day of the NCU Ulster Bank league was dotted with the usual rain, threatening many fixtures. The day turned out to be full of sunshine and in the Premier league only the umpires deciding that that the ground was unplayable at Middle Road, for the Carrickfergus home game against Civil Service North, there would have been a full bill in the Premier league.

Premier League

In the Premier league, champions North Down traveled to Upritchard Park to take on Bangor. North Down won the toss and asked Bangor to bat first. The home side struggled with the bat, and were bowled out for 66. Peter Connell and Luke Parsons took 3 wickets each. North Down won easily by 9 wickets in 24 overs.

CIYMS hosted their first ever game in the Premier league after winning promotion last season. Stephen Hughes would have been reasonably happy to put 192 on the board, with Derek Heasley top scoring with 91. Richard Lucas added a very useful 46 not out at the end to encourage the home team of a first victory. CI would have been confident to win, being at home and with the very experienced bowling available. Lisburn and Gerry Strydom in particular, had other ideas. Strydom was dropped early in his innings, but made CI pay by finishing unbeaten on 114 and winning all the points for Lisburn. A great start for Lisburn but a stark welcome to the top league for CIYMS who next travel to the Green to challenge North Down.

The other newly promoted team, Cliftonville had a difficult opening game against Instonians at Shaws Bridge. The home side had a real shock when they were all out for 117, Conor Breet returning best figures of 3- 16. Cliftonville registered a brilliant 8 wicket victory with Gareth McKee (59*) and Ross Stirling (43) scoring most of the runs.

Derriaghy, who many people may think will struggle this season, travelled to The Lawn to take on Waringstown. Derriaghy batted first and posted a useful 225 in almost their 50 overs. Their new professional Aphale getting 54 and skipper Andy Kenny hitting 38. However, Waringstown paced their chase to perfection, winning by 6 wickets in the 49th over. New Waringstown captain Simon Harrison getting among the runs with 44 not out.

Section Two

In section two of the Ulster Bank leagues only the Laurelvale Vs Holywood fixture got played. Downpatrick and Ballymena postponed their game due to a bereavement at the Downpatrick club.

At Laurelvale, Holywood captain Philip McCormick won the toss and asked Laurelvale, who were still waiting for their professional to arrive into the country, to bat first. This proved to be an excellent decision as Laurelvale were all out for 77, McCormick taking 4 wickets and Michael Shannon grabbing 3. Holywood chased the score down with the loss of 5 wickets to give them a winning start to the season.

With the Down Democrat Challenge Cup next week for section two teams, the league will resume on May 10th – other than the rearranged fixtures on May 5th.

Section Three

In section three only 2 games were played. Promotion chasing Dunmurry were at home to Donacloney and they batted first to register 168. The visitors had trouble to get near the target and were all out for 112, Dunmurry winning by 56 runs.

Newly promoted Belfast International Sports Club took on Academy at Newforge. The BISC batted first and made 148, but it was never enough for the home side and Academy eventually won by 5 wickets.