Derriaghy Firsts win another vital game on road to safety

While all the excitement of the cup was going on, Derriaghy’s 1st XI were winning another vital game at Dundrum. The home side posted a respectful total of 173 with Wayne Hughes picking up 4 for 21 and Alfie Aphale taking 2 for 22. The Queensway men lost C Moorhead early in their run chase but fellow opener Peter Bell batted sensibly along with captain Craig Lewis to see 70 on the board before departing.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Aug 2014, 17:30 BST

Alfie was next in and along with Lewis used their many years experience to push the ball about while dealing savagely with any short deliveries. The pair remained unbeaten, Lewis with 72 and Alfie on 59 to see their side home to an 8 wicket victory. Derriaghy face another two vital games this weekend as they continue to draw away from the relegation zone. On Saturday they are at home to Cliftonville (originally to be played at Mallusk) and then on Sunday travel for a T20 rearrangement against Bangor.

Last Saturday also saw the 4th XI in action for the first time in a few weeks and in their last home match of the season against CIYMS V came out on top by 2 wickets in a game that produced over 360 runs in 60 overs. In a Derriaghy team that combined youth along with some more seasoned campaigners there were major contributions from the younger players, some of whom were playing at this level for the first time, and is a testament to the progress being made by the Club’s youth development policy and in particular the daytime summer coaching scheme.

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CIYMS won the toss and chose to bat, starting slowly as they were pinned back by some good early bowling particularly by Andrew Edgar who took 1 for 10 in 5 overs. Later on John Lynch took 3 for 14 while Paddy Anderson finished with 2 wickets and Marcus Malley picked up 4 catches as CI totalled 183 for 8 with J McAlpine (79) top scored for them.

In reply the home side started more briskly with openers Rodney Hughes and Paddy Hunter prepared to challenge the fielding by running numerous quick singles. Following the departure of captain Hughes for 16 there was a mini collapse to 65 for 5 before John Close took charge of the innings and marshalled the young players to reach the required 184 with two wickets and two balls to spare. John finished with a remarkable 92 not out while young David Scott in his first match banished the nervousness of the few spectators by turning the penultimate ball to the fine leg boundary to finish the match.

A thrilling game played in a good spirit and greatly enjoyed by all the players. Both the Seconds and fourths travel to Muckamore this Saturday while the Thirds are at North Down on Sunday.

The committee and members of Derriaghy would like to pass on their condolences to the family of Jim Simpson who died last week and whose son Dean and grandson’s David and Richard have been associated with Lisburn CC for many years.