Celebrations for cricket club

Skipper Gary McCollum was carried on the shoulders of his winning side after a thrilling victory over North.

Hordes of delighted fans swarmed onto the Downpatrick pitch after McCollum had scored the winning hit in a tense two day final with North at Strangford Road.

Lurgan won by three wickets with one over to spare bringing the major Ulster cricket trophy back to the town for the first time in 17 years.

It was an emotional occasion for the players and their faithful followers who helped to swell the takings to around 800 on a sweltering first day.

They watched intently as the nerve-jangling contest ebbed and flowed, reaching a nail biting conclusion on the Saturday night as North threatened to ruin the Lurgan celebrations.

The favourites looked in match winning position when the sixth Lurgan wicket went down at 92, leaving them 52 runs short with only 11 overs left.

The target was reached after some bold stroke play from Alan Johnston and skipper McCollum, making up an elegant not-out 60 by man of the match Indian professional Subash Kshrisagar.

Lurgan last won the cup in 1972, their team then also including Alan Johnston who in this instance his precious second innings runs apart, took five wickets for 56.

The Downpatrick triumph completed a notable 80s hat trick for Lurgan who also won the Schweppes all-Ireland cup in 1986 and 1988.