Hall and Thompson put Lurgan to sword in T20

The villagers were on course for a massive total before several heavy showers curtailed the exploits of Hall and fellow opener Greg Thompson on his debut.

Waringstown were 125 without loss after just 13.2 overs after being inserted by Lurgan captain Stephen Johnston. Hall smashed five sixes and six fours while Thompson, playing for the first time since his winter switch from Lisburn, struck an unbeaten 41 from 39 balls. He hit five fours and one six.

Johnston had doubtless anticipated rain interruptions when he sent Waringstown in and after heavy rain it appeared the game could be wiped out. It was eventually dry enough to re-start and Lurgan were set a target of 55 to win in five overs under Duckworth-Lewis.

Their hopes were immediately curtailed when first debutant Jamie Holmes was bowled by Phil Eaglestone from the first ball of the innings and in the next over Obus Pienaar accounted for Niranjan Godbole.

When Lurgan were reduced to 16 for two after three overs their hopes were effectively over and they finished on 30 for three, leaving Waringstown winners by 24 runs.

Both clubs face huge matches at the weekend, provided a poor forecast is proved wrong. Lurgan entertain Lisburn at Pollock Park in what could be a crucial survival battle. Lisburn have yet to win in two games. Johnston misses the match, but returns for the Irish Cup tie against Bready on Sunday.

“Saturday is a massive game and we go into it high on confidence. As I said before we will just go out and enjoy the cups,” said Johnston.

Waringstown meanwhile travel to champions CIYMS on Saturday looking to bounce back from the defeat to Instonians in their last league outing.

THE ball sponsor for Waringstown’s match away to CIYMS this Saturday is Billy McCabe.