A Win and a Loss Over the Bank Holiday Weekend

Bangor vs Derriaghy

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  The worst, as Bangor had lost their season opener. The best, because they had a shot at redemption and what’s more, the game was to be played at an ever-pristine Upritchard Park. Derriaghy were the visitors to the home of cricket on this occasion, attempting to not be overawed by the gravity of playing at the bastion of cricketing excellence that is UP. The Gallagher Challenge Cup was the competition on the day; both teams eager to leave an indelible mark on this most storied of trophy’s.

The toss was won by Bangor who elected to bat, feeling that runs on the board on what seemed to be an exemplary wicket. The first onto the battlefield were Bangor openers Sam McMillan and Mark Hutchinson. Looking to continue their imperious form from the season prior. Delightful strokemaking had the boys moving at a hasty run a ball. An excellent two was ran when a tight run out was given against McMillan. The ground was flummoxed at the sight of the decision, as McMillan left the field in the very accepting manner that all McMillan’s tend to after a controversial decision is offered.

Keenan joined Hutchinson at the crease and the two displayed great application, turning ones into twos and placing a high value on their wickets. Keenan was unlucky to be bowled after a steadfast 26 brought the home side to 119-2. A few balls later, all rounder Chabra was dismissed without scoring and Skipper Parker was brought to the crease. The strife continued for Bangor as the Bangor Talisman, Hutchinson, was bowled for an outstanding 66. He left the field to rapturous applause, in what was a vintage knock from the Bangor opener. Take your kids to watch him bat, he must be seen to be believed. 

With that it was Parker and grizzled veteran Kirkpatrick at the crease and Bangor were 126-4. Kirkpatrick, buoyed by his recent purchase of this years almanac, began his innings in a style that befits the poetic nature of many of its contributions. Clearly intent to make his own way into next year’s edition, he carved, caressed and devoured all the bowling he set his eyes on; hitting two fours in the process. Soon after he played his patented shot in a moment that was enough to draw a call of “shot” from some parts of the ground. Unfortunately, they, like Kirkpatrick, had been duped. The fielder at deep square leg emerged and snared the catch, much to the glee of the opposition. 

Derriaghy brought back on their overseas opening bowler, who’s extra pace removed Conor Brown and Angus Farrell in quick succession. Bangor were now 153-7 and on the verge of collapse. Enter Will Simpson.

Sometimes a hero can come from the most unlikely of places. Simpson lifted his bat like the sword from the stone, a symbol of him being the chosen one; the uncrowned king. In true Simpson style, he “got under it” hitting boundaries as if they were going out of fashion. Ramps, hooks, sweeps, drives and whatever other shot you could imagine were on display, as the wagon wheel was akin to a cricketing Jackson Pollock. The legendary innings came to an end as he was clean bowled by Hughes, whilst trying once more to elevate the run rate. An innings which shall insert itself into Bangor mythology. 

After the removal of George Prince, the in form batsman at the club Chris Pyper came to the crease. His trademark on-drive was on display as the Bangor total advanced to 217, until Parker missed out on a full toss bringing the innings to an end. Special mention must be afforded to Parker who anchored the innings with a skipper’s knock, as the middle order found itself in turmoil. 

Brown and Chhabra opened the bowling for Bangor and Brown struck with his third ball removing the Derriaghy captain caught behind. Just a couple of overs later, Angus Farrell fielded the ball at mid wicket and fizzed it at the stumps. A direct hit followed and his teammates were beatifically wheeling around in celebration. Derriaghy were 8-2 and Bangor were on top. 

Brown and Chabra continued to plug away, hitting excellent line and length, daring batsmen to play the loose shot. Brown’s second came caught behind again, as he played with the tenacity of a man who recognised the sooner the game finished, the sooner he could could throw out some questionable dance moves in town, which are presumably in vogue down under.

Next Chhabra experienced the magical moment he’d dreamed of as a boy. His first Bangor first team wicket. After bowling so admirably in his first couple of outings, Chhabra will have been delighted to have made his breakthrough. As the wicket fell, the sun shone a little brighter on him. A display of divine countenance that suggested to all around UP that there was a new all rounder in town. 

Brown’s third wicket followed shortly after and Derriaghy found themselves at 45-5 and in disarray. 

Pyper entered the attack attempting to leave his own mark on the game. He received a successful appeal for an in-swinging LBW, perhaps the first of his career and no doubt representative of his lack of charm on the local umpiring circuit. At the other end George Prince entered the attack and the two formed a partnership that would work its way through the remaining order. One by one wickets fell and with Prince claiming the prized wicket of Craig Lewis, Bangor had skittled them. Derriaghy ended up 87 all out in what was one of the great team performances you are ever likely to see and with it, Bangor progressed to the next round of the cup as 130 run victors.

It must be noted that Pyper and Brown finished on identical figure of 3-17 with each man adding two maidens also. Very few readers will be surprised to hear that the two could be spotted for hours on end discussing their deeply rooted love of the club and it was undoubtedly not the beers talking. It is difficult to disagree with them, when a club such as ours is the way it is. 

After all, loving Bangor Cricket Club has nothing to do with the beers; it’s about something deeper, something stitched into every catch, every cheer, and every quiet moment on the boundary rope. It’s the shared rituals of a Saturday, the thud of leather on willow echoing across the field, and the way the sun hits the pavilion just right as the game unfolds. It’s the lifelong friendships forged in the heat of competition, the respect between rivals, and the pride of wearing the club colours. It’s the sense of belonging — of knowing that win or lose, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. The beers are just a bonus.

Bangor vs Carrickfergus

Where else would you want spend a bank holiday, but the home of cricket? Bangor welcomed Carrick for a mayday league encounter. With scorching temperatures, the ground looking irresistible and two high quality teams on display, it was sure to be one to remember. Bangor won the toss and elected to bat. 

Hutchinson and McMillan batted cooly in the opening stages, picking off the bad ball and stealing singles where possible. In the tenth over as the innings steadily progressed, Hutchinson picked up a short ball and was caught by a stellar diving effort on the boundary. Bangor were 41-1 and Jonny Keenan joined McMillan at the crease. Runs were hard to come by with tight bowling from the away side. Keenan met his demise via an LBW from the Carrick professional leaving Bangor 92-2. Manav Chhabra and Jonathan Parker both tried to up the ante in the middle overs. Both men ran hard, but were dismissed caught at point and short fine leg respectively. 

Next to the crease was Andrew Kirkpatrick. He belligerently took the game to the opposition, running at speeds a man his age should not be capable of and delivering some lusty blows to the boundary, in spite of what many would expect his vertebrae to be able to withstand. 

Meanwhile, McMillan had advanced onto 97, batting with the utmost maturity. Glorious timing, immense concentration and prodigious talent were on display throughout the innings. Running for a quick two, McMillan looked for all money to be in the crease, but was given out by the umpire. A groan came over the ground, a maiden section one century had been robbed from him. Rip-roaring applause greeted McMillan after a knock that deserved its crowning moment. The good thing for Sam is that there is certainly more to come.

Kirkpatrick, now joined by Brown, continued the assault. The thud of the willow echoed around the ground, as Brown too sought to send the white ball to the boundary. This included and exuberant flamingo shout that brought the audience to their feet. 

Kirkpatrick brought his half century up with the last delivery of the innings, the Bangor total was set at 237 and they now had something to bowl at. 

Brown took the early wicket of Parkhill, nipping the ball away off the seam guilefully and displayed great tenacity getting at the batsmen. The other openers luck was in, however, as the ball landed safely numerous times and rash swipes seemed to pay off. 

The Bangor team remained steadfast as both Gilmour and overseas Varape continued to tot up the runs. Edges came and landed safe, the bat was beaten in numerous occasions but the batsmen remained at the crease. A highlight of the innings came when Will Simpson exclaimed that he “didn’t need seven people telling him to back up”, a sign of the mental awareness and intensity of all 11 men. George Prince would eventually remove Gilmour for 96 with a stumping off of a wide ball, a remarkable thing to take a wicket without having bowled a legal delivery. This is a type of genius only royalty can deliver. 

Time moved on and with it so did the scoreboard, Varape brought his ton up with the final shot of the chase and Carrick were declared the victors 

Our heroes may not have claimed the victory, but they left the field with heads unbowed and spirits undiminished. In the face of a relentless batting onslaught, every bowler ran in with resolve, every fielder flung themselves at the leather with tireless belief. There is a certain nobility in competing when the odds lean against you—a dignity in persistence that no scoreboard can reflect. This was not simply an exercise in containment but a display of identity. The Bangorian spirit—rooted in grit, pride, and the refusal to yield—burned brightly amidst the barrage. It is a spirit forged on windswept training grounds and nurtured in quiet resolve, the kind that does not fade in defeat. For even when the final runs were struck and hands were shaken, that spirit remained unbroken. And make no mistake: the Bangorian spirit will never die, for there is always next Saturday.