by Matt Pitts
Bangor 4th XI made it another Sunday to remember as they stretched their winning streak with a hard-fought victory over Armagh at home on 17th May.
Put into the field first, Bangor’s bowlers rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in under some seriously tricky conditions. With the elements doing their best to cause chaos, the attack kept things tight and disciplined. Andy Stephens, Theo Wardley and Rich Carson all put in strong shifts, while Zach Kerr chipped in at just the right moment with a crucial wicket to keep Armagh in check. After their 20 overs, the visitors posted 161 for 6 which was a competitive total, but nothing Bangor felt was out of reach.
Then came the reply… and the weather decided to really turn up the drama.
Rain? Check. Hail? Absolutely. Thunder and lightning? Why not. There was even the odd burst of sunshine just to keep everyone guessing. Through all of it, Bangor’s openers looked like they were batting in a different postcode entirely. Iain Chapman came out firing, cracking a superb 42 from just 27 balls, while Stephen Hamilton anchored things beautifully with an unbeaten 42 off 37 deliveries.
Despite the constant interruptions from above, Bangor kept the scoreboard ticking along nicely. By the time the hail made another unwelcome appearance and ultimately forced play to stop, the home side had powered their way to 102 for 1 in 10.5 overs — comfortably ahead on run rate, sealing the win and keeping that streak alive.
There were a few standout moments in the field too, none more so than a sharp and crucial run out from Josh Donnelly that helped keep the pressure firmly on Armagh during their innings.
All in all, it was a proper team performance in conditions that would have tested the hardiest of cricketers. Bangor 4s march on and if they can handle weather like that, there’s not much that’s going to stop them anytime soon.
