Upritchard Park was the setting for an exciting week of international youth cricket as Ireland U15 Boys welcomed Scotland U15 Boys to Bangor for the annual Celtic Cup series.
The series returned to Ireland with Bangor Cricket Club once again providing the venue, giving local spectators the opportunity to watch some of the best young cricketing talent from both countries.
Ireland made a flying start to the series. In the opening 50-over encounter, they posted an impressive 242, led by captain D Agnew’s 54and an unbeaten 42 from Shav Biju. Scotland were then dismissed for just 74, with J Blair taking an outstanding 3 wickets for only 4 runs from six overs, as Ireland recorded a convincing 168-run victory.
Ireland doubled their advantage in the second game. Scotland were bowled out for 117, with Blair again taking three wickets, before Ireland edged home at 118 for eight to move 2–0 ahead in the series.
Scotland responded strongly in game three, scoring 198 before restricting Ireland to 169, securing a 29-run victory and keeping the series alive.
That set up a decisive final T20 encounter, where there was a particularly memorable performance for Bangor Cricket Club’s Felix McMillan. Playing international cricket on his home ground, the Irish wicketkeeper-batter produced a superb unbeaten 70 from 68 balls, including eight boundaries, carrying his bat as Ireland reached 123 for nine.
Scotland successfully chased the target, reaching 124 for five, to level the overall Celtic Cup series at 2–2.
However, having won the Celtic Cup in Scotland the previous year, Ireland retained the trophy as defending champions.
For Bangor Cricket Club, the week was made even more special by seeing one of their own young players represent Ireland at Upritchard Park. McMillan contributed with both bat and gloves across the series, with his unbeaten 70 in the final game providing a fitting personal highlight on his home ground.
The series was another proud occasion for Bangor Cricket Club, with Upritchard Park providing an excellent setting for international youth cricket and showcasing the club and its facilities on the representative stage.
Match Photos from all 4 games down below with thanks to CricketEurope.
