Bangor’s 2nd XI arrived at Stormont frothing at the mouth to finally get their delayed season underway. The team was led by new captain Andy Pyper and was full of youthful energy with a few experienced heads also included.
The day did not start out perfectly as Pyper called wrong in his first toss and Bangor were forced to bowl first. Conor Cox and Andy Beech opened the bowling and set a strong tone for the day. Cox had a strong caught behind appeal rejected in the first over of the game much to the dismay of the Bangor team. Nevertheless, Beech was on the money from the beginning and bowled Dravid in his second over with a beautiful delivery clipping the top of the off stump. The youthful combination of Michael Skelly and Callum McDaid continued to plug away, however, Johnston and Elliott rebuilt well for CSNI with a free-flowing partnership of 64 until Elliott (36) skied one to Pyper at mid-on off the bowling of McDaid, leaving CSNI going well at 82-2 off 11 overs.
Needing to stem the flow of runs, Pyper decided to throw the ball to the mercurial Callum Houston. Houston provided a masterclass in leg spin displaying flight, control and spin which the CSNI batsmen found difficult to deal with. Houston finished with outstanding figures of 2-18 of his 4 overs including the valuable wicket of Johnston (49). Cox (2-20) and Beech (2-17), finished their spells admirably and supported Houston well in the death overs. The effort of the trio only allowed CSNI to score 18 runs off the last 5 overs of their innings, leaving them to finish on 130-8 off their 20 overs. A valiant comeback from the Bangor side to prevent a score of 160/170.
James Griffin and Callum Houston were sent out to begin the Bangor chase. The impressive Leckey (3-21) had Houston (0) caught down the leg side in his first over and Griffin (4) followed Houston back to the pavilion in Leckey’s second over. This brought Kris King and the skipper Pyper together. The pair settled the nerves with a partnership of 42 putting the young spinners Gondhia (0-17) and West (1-15) under pressure. However, both batsmen fell in quick succession with King (36) being judged LBW to West and Pyper (6) top edging one to point off Andrews (1-28).
Daniel Young and Stuart Johnstone expertly guided Bangor towards the target putting on a glorious partnership of 56 for the 5 th wicket. Johnstone (19) fell to Thompson (1-9) and Young (37) was caught off the bowling of Leckey with the scores level. It was left to Matthew Quinn (9*) to smash the ball through backward point to secure Bangor the victory.
It was a great all-round effort from the team and a great start to the season. Thanks also go to Paul Houston for scoring and 2XI coach Zach Kerr for his motivational support for the team.
Scorecard of CSNI Innings here
Scorecard of Bangor Innings here
