Race still wide open

THE Division 2 title race still has some way to run as the weather interrupted the crucial game at The Nedd meaning that the outcome remains in the balance for another week at least.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Sep 2010, 12:19 BST
Updated 14th Sep 2010, 13:18 BST

The start was delayed by rain and the Bleachgreen side had reached 66 for 3 after 10 overs before persistent rain forced an abandonment shortly after tea. The sides struggled to agree on a date for the T20 replay and the earlies agreement that could be reached was next Saturday, although it is believed that if a play-off is required after that it is likely to be set for the following day.

Bonds Glen kept up their part of the bargain as they dodged the showers long enough to see off a Drummond side that has struggled in the latter weeks of the season. The hosts were in all sorts of bother as a constant fall of wickets saw them reduced to 50 for 8 before Gordon Cooke was on hand once again to help them towards respectability.

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The former Ireland player made 45 to drag his side just over the 100 mark as Richard Hepburn returned figures of 5 for 22. The Bee Gees didn't hang about with the rain all around and needed just 10 overs to seal the win. Keith Hamilton with 27 and Roy Robinson with 26 set the scene with a quickfire opening stand in what was a facile 7-wicket win.

In the day's other game Ballyspallen recorded a very welcome win at Killyclooney in an entertaining affair in gloomy conditions.The hosts looked on course for a big total as Stephen Barr hit 4 fours on his way to 49 before an excellent spell of bowling from Victor Young (senior) turned the game on its head. The veteran returned figures of 5 for 7 as Killyclooney collapsed and an excellent 62 from Clive Rodgers coupled with 25 from fellow opener Kyle Martin then set 'Spallen on their way to the win. Kenny Hall bowled well to claim 4 for 31 but the visitors were then assisted by a massive 49 extras, including 36 wides as Ballyspallen got home with 3 wickets to spare.

And so it all comes down to next weekend and whilst Ardmore and Bonds Glen could well be involved in the play-off that everyone was expecting, fate was to decree that Ardmore's path is now somewhat more difficult. In truth their T20 replay with The Nedd could surely have been arranged sooner, whether that was Sunday past or evenings through the week and it seems that some common sense could have been applied. As the man says however,we are where we are, and next weekend should tell the tale.

At Killyclooney, Ballyspallen beat Killyclooney by 3 wickets