Disappointment for Templepatrick in season opener

Robert Smith’s lads were dismissed for 151, while Bangor romped home with seven wickets to spare.

James Jackson top scored with 23, followed by Mark Thompson with 20, but with the home bowlers maintaining a good line and length the east Antrim lads were all out in the 41st over.

Bangor’s reply was a match-winning 153 for 3, with Johnny Ramsay from the Under 17s taking 2 for 32, while Smith claimed the other wicket while conceding 43 runs.

Commenting skipper Smith said: “We will miss the runs of Jay Hunter who has moved to Muckamore, but we are looking forward to the arrival of our overseas player, Bob Homani, who jets in from South Africa on Tuesday.

“He was an influential batsman/wicketkeeper last year, and we are hoping that he delivers the goods again this season. Meanwhile Ricky Greer continues behind the stumps until his arrival.”

On Saturday Templepatrick entertain Lurgan at The Cloughan in the preliminary round of the Challenge Cup, followed by their first home league fixture of the season against Downpatrick on Monday.

The 2nd XI open their Junior League campaign with a home game against Laurelvale II on Saturday at Hollinger Park.