CRICKET: Crushing win for leaders

Creevedonnell won the toss and elected to have first use of a pitch which had benefited from a week of dry summer weather. However, in the space of two overs, 25 without loss became 27 for 3 as Gareth Burns claimed the first wicket and Stephen Dunn followed up with the next two.

Gareth Burns maintained the early pressure on the visiting batsmen, taking the next three wickets as he returned the magnificent figures of four wickets for just 12 runs in his 10 over spell. With two wickets each for Andrew Douglas and Jarred Barnes, Creevedonnell struggled to a total of just 122 as the last batsman was dismissed in the 35th over.

From that point, the result was never in doubt. Ian McGregor and Craig Averill took Coleraine’s reply to 87 before the captain was out, just five runs short of his half century. Averill was then joined at the crease by Paul Douglas and together they finished the job, closing on 44 not out and 20 not out respectively as Coleraine completed a nine wicket win with over 21 overs to spare.

This week Coleraine RF&CC will be hosting the international four day game between Ireland and South Africa A, which starts on Monday 13 until Thursday 16 August at 11am to 6pm every day. Admission is free and all spectators are welcome to come along.

Next week the 1st XI is at home on Saturday 18 August, playing Fox Lodge in the League. The Second XI has a home game on Sunday against Brigade 2nds and the Thirds have a game at home on Saturday at Coleraine Inst against Eglinton 3rd XI.