Five-wicket Warke helps Academy to pass the test and claim first victory

After winning the toss, the city side were restricted to 105 in 35.3 overs at Castle Grounds, where Michael Warke was the local hero when he took 5 for 29 during his 10 overs’ spell.

David Greenlees was the most economical of the Academy bowlers when he conceded only eight runs off his 10 overs, and during the tea break home hopes of collecting their first league points were high.

A secon- wicket partnership of 30 between Warke and Francis Collins laid the foundation for victory by three wickets, as Academy reached 109 for 7 in only the 30th over.

On Sunday, Matthew Palmer’s lads were off to Upritchard Park, but they failed to garner any league points when they fell short by 100 runs.

Bangor took full advantage of winning the toss when they posted a formidable 277 for 4, with Chris Burns their top scorer with a brilliant 164 not out.

Opening bowler Johnny Irons was tops for Academy with for 77 off 10, with support from David Greenlees and Chris Halliday who each claimed one scalp.

Unfortunately, Greenlees injured a leg after bowling only six overs and was dropped down the batting order to number nine.

In reply, Academy were all out for 177 in 40 overs, with opening bat Andrew Magee top scoring with 74, and he shared the best partnership with Mark Shields (19) putting on 42 for the second wicket.

Academy: M Warke, A Magee, F Collins, M Shields, P Warke, M Palmer (C), S Fawcett, C Halliday, D Greenlees, A Bell, J Irons.

In the quarter-final of the Goldblatt McGuigan Junior Cup, Academy have a home draw against Civil Service II to be played on Saturday 22nd.

The lower Academy teams recorded a cup double when the 3rd and 4th XIs advanced in the Minor Cup.

Set 146 to win at Belmont against CIYMS III, Adam Sloan’s Thirds won with four wickets to spare.

Sloan (36 not out) and Andy Martin (30 not out) saw the Hydepark lads safely home after D Hawthorne and D Reid had contributed 29 and 26 respectively.

Earlier the city lads had been restricted to 145, while Andrew Palmer was the most successful bowler with 3 for 13, followed by Aaron Scott with 2 for 31.

In the same competition David McLarnon’s 4th XI defeated Victoria III by 62 runs at Roughfort.

Adam Wilson top scored with 33 in his side’s 140 all out, with Ram contributing a significant 29.

In reply Victoria were bowled out for 78, with Kyle Rafferty (3 for 18) and Adam Wilson (3 for 23) sharing the bowling honours.

In the quarter-finals the Thirds are at home to Downpatrick III, and the Fourths also have home advantage against Donaghcloney III.

If both Academy teams win they will avoid each other in the semi-final, setting up the possibility of an all Academy final in August.

However Chris Magee’s 2nd XI lost their Junior League Section 2 encounter with Lurgan II by 8 wickets.

Francis Collins (63) and Brian Kelso (53) were the top scorers as Academy II were dismissed for 161, a target that the visitors reached for the loss of only two wickets.

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