Bowlers see Victoria over the line

Dunmurry won the toss and surprisingly elected to bowl. The decision was vindicated early on as an early wickets fell with the score only on 32, Darren Vennard and John Haddock put on the first sizeable partnership of the match as the score advanced to 90 before both fell in quick succession. Vennard (59) was bowled having brought up a crucial 50, while Haddock departed for 13.

Babar Khan was next to the crease and increased the scoring rate with some aggressive batting as he contributed 33 to a 37 run partnership. Adam McClelland and Matthew Parks took the score from 130 to 160, mostly with good running. Parks’ (11) departure brought Jordan Marshall to the crease and he was in fine form, following his maiden 50 in his previous match and looked assured from the off scoring with some stylish shots as he saw Victoria to the 40 over mark. McClelland departed during this spell, having batted well for 24. Jonny Irwin (8) and Glenn Thompson (7) supported Marshall well as he finished the innings unbeaten on 23, with Victoria having scored 215-8, on a pitch which was far from easy.

Dunmurry were set 216 to win and Khan and Craig Marshall opened the bowling for Victoria. Marshall beat the bat on a number of occasions, but was unable to find the edge. Dunmurry appeared to be the team on top, Victoria turned to spin at either end and the breakthrough came after a 50 partnership, Irvine (24) was caught by Haddock off Vennard. Drinks were taken with Dunmurry in a strong position and Coburn having already accumulated 50 runs. Khan was reintroduced and took a wicket.

Coburn was scoring quickly thanks to some wayward bowling. However, wickets were falling regularly as Irwin picked up three during his 6 over spell. Dunmurry needed to score at 6 an over and Victoria were largely keeping them just below this. With 8 overs to go Marshall was brought back on and Haddock took off the gloves to bowl some spin. Haddock was introduced and only four came off the over and a wicket fell. With Victoria were within four of victory Marshall stepped up to the plate with a tight over and the asking rate was creeping up. With the final ball of his second over Haddock hit Coburn (103) on the pads and a loud appeal saw the umpire’s finger raised. The asking rate was seven an over and Victoria had to finish off the job. Marshall started his over with two wides, but fired the next ball at the base of the stumps, and took another wicket before the over was up, leaving Haddock to finish the job, Victoria winning by 29 runs after 36.4 overs.

Victoria 215-8 D. Vennard 59; A. McClelland 24; B. Khan 33; J. Marshall 23 no.

Dunmurry 186 C. Marshall 6-0-22-2’ J. Irwin 6-0-25-3’ J. Haddock 2.4-0-13-3.