Bangor made the journey to Carrickfergus for the most recent round of the NCU Senior League One season. Bangor won the toss and decided to bowl, with Pyper and Skelly aiming to make early inroads into the Carrickfergus batting order.
Tight bowling in the opening stages led to pressure building, and Gilmour played a loose attacking shot, skying the ball into the air off the bowling of Skelly. Gareth McCullough moved into position, steadied himself, and took the catch with expert poise and precision. Skelly’s luck would continue, as Carrick overseas player Varape tamely guided the ball to Mark Hutchinson at gully. At the end of the same over, Styles nicked off and Kirkpatrick took a stunning one-handed catch to leave the home side reeling at 11–3.
Skelly’s run of success continued as Parkhill, attempting to counter the turmoil around him with aggression, got a faint edge off a slash at a short ball that was coolly taken by Kirkpatrick behind the stumps. Van Der Walt and Haggan then began rebuilding, putting on 66 for the fifth wicket. Van Der Walt sought to up the rate and launched the ball a country mile into the air. Daniel Rayner, riding the crest of a wave after recording excellent GCSE results during the week, charged towards the ball but overran it. All hope seemed lost until, at the last moment, Rayner stretched his right hand aloft and claimed a catch so outstanding that it must be seen to be believed.
Haggan was then joined by Sharma at the crease, and the two would go on to form a match-defining partnership. Haggan was progressing well and was dropped in the 30s, but no one could have predicted the outcome of that mistake. He began attacking at will and brought up his century off just 93 balls. Haggan wasn’t done there—he doubled up and went on to score 223 in a remarkable innings. His day out, coupled with Sharma’s capable support, led the hosts to a formidable total of 365–5, a staggering recovery from 13–4.
Bangor knew they had a hefty hill to climb but began excellently as McMillan and Hutchinson picked gaps at will and with distinction. The score advanced to 47 in just 6 overs until Hutchinson departed for 22 after attempting to sweep Carrickfergus skipper Van Der Walt. Gareth McCullough entered next and rightly attempted to be aggressive towards the bowling attack, but was caught out as a result.
All the while, Sam McMillan remained unphased, striking five fours and a six on his way to a dominant half-century. Looking for another devastating blow against Varape, the ball hung in the air just a fraction too long, and man of the match Haggan made excellent ground to take the catch. Brief cameos from William Simpson and Michael Skelly followed as Bangor tried to remain aggressive in the face of a lofty total. The skipper, Parker, anchored the innings well and brought up a half-century near the end, but it was in vain as Bangor were bowled out for 196.
It was a devastating day for Bangor, especially after their dominant beginnings, but a valuable lesson on what it takes to operate at the top level. Next week they face Ballymena in a crucial game, as they look to gain revenge for a disappointing home defeat earlier in the season. The best sides, when beaten, learn and come back stronger. This Bangor team is of that ilk, and there is no doubt they will rise again.
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