Cricket: Killyclooney men knocked out of National Cup

Darren Moan’s 13 was the best of a really poor card for the visitors as Thomas Magowan (5-9) and Jordan Wade (5-43) wrapped things up for Downpatrick.

A chase of 89 to win caused few problems for the NCU men albeit they lost 4 wickets en route as Richard McMorris bowled well for his 3-21. Ahmed Patil kept the reply together however - his 38 ensuring no slip-ups in a 6-wicket verdict.

The only bright news of the day was provided on the Northland Road in the city side were Newbuildings brought National Cup action to the west bank of the Foyle for the very first time.

Lurgan were the visitors here and they got off to a superb start too as Niranjan Godbole struck an excellent century to put them in front early on.

The Indian hit 12 fours and 2 sixes in his 119, but him apart, only Peter Maxwell with 30 contributed much else. Graeme Robb (3-28) and overseas man Peat Salmon (2-25) fared best with the ball and the Lurgan innings closed on 219 for 6 after 50 overs.

Despite losing both of their opening league games (albeit against the two promotion favourites) the home side always looked in control in the chase. Ross Hunter played very well for his 56, but the reply was all about Peter Allen, who seems to have lost little of his old self after a prolific time at Killymallaght.

Allen hit 13 fours and a six in a really composed 118 not out that allowed Newbuildings to cruise to the win with 7 overs and 6 wickets still in hand.

It was a real statement from Christopher Cooper’s team and despite the local Union’s poor showing there will be few still in the hat that will fancy taking on this side in the next round.