CRICKET: Mixed weekend for Bready bunch

The visitors had set the tone for the day after half centuries from Ricky McDaid (58 not out) and Adam McDaid (52), along with cameos from Chris Moore (24), Kyle Morrow (21) and a 4-ball 16 not out from Steve Moore took them to an impressive 202 for 4 from their reduced 24 overs.

The elements intervened at the beginning of Strabane’s reply however to frustrate both teams meaning their battle for survival will now go into the second half of the season.

There was a wonderfully entertaining game at the Bleachgreen where Bready boosted their survival hopes with a 4-run win over joint leaders Ardmore.

Rain played a part here too and after Ross Dougherty with an impressive 44 not out and David Rankin 41 had helped the visitors to 122 for 7 in the 29th over, the home side were set a new target of 118 in 21 overs to go clear at the top of the table.

Perhaps suffering from a Sunday hangover after their book launch the previous day, Ardmore got themselves into an almighty tangle in reply.

In no time at all they were 10-4 and then 42-7 as Reece Kelly (2-13) and skipper Davy Scanlon (2-17) pinned them back.

Skipper Neely was having none of it though and in a one-man resistance he forced Ardmore back into it. He hit 5 sixes and 2 fours on his way to an unbeaten 49 but credit Conor Olphert and his captain, Scanlon as they bowled a superb final two overs.

With the home team needing 8 from the last to win, and in incessant rain to boot, Scanlon kept Ardmore to just three, to carve out a fantastic win.

On Saturday, there were wins for Ardmore, Brigade and Eglinton, with the Villagers shocking champions Coleraine. While in the Championship, Burndennett beat Ballyspallen.