Close shave victory for Ardmore men

No doubting the game of the day was at the Bleachgreen where Ardmore edged out Bangor in a thriller.

The home side batted first and Paul Brolly and Adrian Murphy helped get them off to a decent start and when the former went for 29, Murphy and Mark Chambers carried on the good work.

The West Indian was eventually out for 92, made in even time and containing 9 fours and 2 sixes whilst Chambers added a very valuable 30 as Ardmore posted 209 for 7 in 30 overs. Johnny Hewitt did best with the ball for the seasiders with 2 for 41.

Unfortunately a break for rain meant a revised target and Bangor were asked to make 182 in 35 overs to claim the win.

Zach Rushe certainly did his best to ensure they had a chance as he made an excellent 75 at the top of the order but wickets were falling steadily at the other end. Mark Nixon with 31 and Mark Hutchinson with 28 chipped in, but 4 wickets for George Brolly and a superb closing spell from Paul Brolly saw the visitors finish an agonising one run short.

Bonds Glen made it two from two as they beat Derriaghy at the Glen in another high scoring encounter.

The NCU side made a competitive 248 for 9 in their 50 overs courtesy of a composed 57 from Adam Jamison, 37 from Stuart Hegarty and a hard hitting 34 from Ricky Hewitt.

Leslie Curry and Derek Curry each picked up three wickets and Richard Hepburn 2 as batting proved a good deal easier than bowling.

The Bee Gees had successfully chased down 256 at Burndennett in the league on Saturday, albeit with 50 overs available but they were in no mood to take their leave of this competition just yet.

Colin Hall was in superb form with the bat for the hosts, 10 fours and 3 sixes in his match-winning century as support came from David Robinson and Gary Hamilton in a four wicket win.

The Nedd were unable to make it a hat-trick as Laurelvale took their measure with a 44-run win. Daryl Henry top scored for the Belfast side with an unbeaten 47 while David Sinton and Stuart McClelland both added 39 in a total of 190 for 6 in 40 overs.

Kyle Morrow who has been in good touch for the Ballykelly side in recent weeks didn't get a chance to shine as he was run out without facing a ball for the second time in this competition this season.

Opening partner Johnny Young went on to make an impressive 70 for The Nedd but apart from 19 from skipper Creighton Wilson, none of the rest got into double figures as the visitors were dismissed for 146.