Bryans and Kernaghan star in win over Cliftonville

Ross Bryans and Phil Kernaghan were heroes when Templepatrick earned the bragging rights in the local derby win against Cliftonville.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Aug 2015, 10:05 BST
Richard Greer batting for Templepatrick against Cliftonville INNT 31-527-SORichard Greer batting for Templepatrick against Cliftonville INNT 31-527-SO
Richard Greer batting for Templepatrick against Cliftonville INNT 31-527-SO

Bryans top-scored with a fine unbeaten 68 in the NCU Section 1 clash, while Kernaghan confirmed his all-rounder credentials when he took two wickets and scored a useful 22 runs.

After winning the toss skipper Robert Smith had no hesitation in putting Cliftonville in at Mallusk, and this decision was vindicated when the hosts were all out for a modest 141.

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Cliftonville started promisingly reaching 80 for 2, but after Smith broke that second wicket partnership it was downhill. Kernaghan (2 for 16) and Homani (2 for 22) were the most successful bowlers, while Rhydian Davies, Jordan Carlisle, Bryans and Smith each took one wicket.

CricketCricket
Cricket

A rain interruption resulted in a DLS par score being set at 112 in 31 overs, and TCC cruised home with eight wickets to spare, thanks mainly to a match-winning partnership of 51 between Bryans and Kernaghan.

The wins keeps TCC in a closely congested mid-table position, level with Muckamore, Lurgan and Academy.

“Even without James Jackson and Chris Busby we were too strong for a team that is in relegation trouble,” said skipper Smith. “Unfortunately I strained my side and was unable to bat, and I will also have to sit out this weekend’s home clash with Donaghcloney,” he added.

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On Sunday Templepatrick were scheduled to play Downpatrick at The Cloughan but this one was postponed following heavy overnight rain.

Colin Latham’s 3rd XI also completed a local derby win when they defeated Carrick IV by eight wickets.

The visitors to the Cloughan were restricted to 118, thanks to some fine bowling by Latham (3 for 20), Paul Turner (2 for 6) and Josh Johnstone (2 for 12). Rhys Wallace and Gerard Dargan each took one wicket, while Wallace caused the run-out with a neat return to wicketkeeper Jonathan Rainey.

Paddy Lutton top-scored with 54 not-out as TCC reached 121 for 2, while J Rainey contributed 23.

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With five fixtures remaining TCC are battling with Laurelvale and Bangor for the two promotion places on offer.

Saturday’s fixtures: 1st XI v Donaghcloney, home; 2nd XI v Instonians III, away; 3rd XI v Larne II, away.