Academy start Junior Cup defence against Larne

Local scorer, Bob McFetridge, has memories of some tight battles with the Hydepark lads, and is looking forward to locking horns with them again, but he is aware of the threat of ace batsman David Greenlees.

“When David is on song the fours and sixes flow off his willow with ease, so we reckon that if we can contain him our chances will be greatly enhanced,” said Bob.

Greenlees, whose grandparents are from Larne, has already knocked up his first century in characteristic cavalier style. His match-winning 128 against Drumaness at Newforge included no fewer than 15x4s and 6x6s, and laid the foundation for a massive win by 180 runs.

When skipper Mark Shields won the toss he opted to take first knock, and although he departed early there were plenty of runs to come from Greenlees, Michael Harte (33) and Matthew Palmer (25) as Academy posted a daunting 256 all out in 46.5 overs.

Drumaness offered little resistance and were skittled out for only 76 in 20.5 overs. Gowtham Sinnathamby was the top bowler with 4 for 21 off 4, followed by Brian Boyd 3 for 20 off 5, while Richard Wilson, Chris Halliday and Palmer took one wicket apiece.

In the opening match of the season Academy recorded an even more emphatic win, when they eased home with nine wickets to spare against Dunmurry at McComb Park.

The home side batting first lasted only 27 overs during which they made 84. Gowtham again was tops in the bowling department with 4 for 18 off 6.2, closely followed by Jonny Irons who had 3 for 15 off 8, including Dunmurry’s top batsman Neil Conway who has bowled for 4.

In reply skipper Shields (9) was the only man out, as Academy posted 87 for 1. Brian Kelso top scored with 37 not out, in an unbroken second wicket stand with Palmer (26 not out).

So Academy have hit top gear right away with two comprehensive Division 1 Section 2 wins, but they face a difficult first hurdle in the cup at Sandy Bay.