It's delight for Derrighy as they defeat CIYMS in season opener

The roar that went up from the Derriaghy players when Rob Cumins caught and bowled the final CIYMS batsman on Saturday was probably louder than the one they released in their final game of 2015 and that was on beating Woodvale to win the League 1 title.

In the first match of the 2016 Ulster Bank Premier league season, Derriaghy who are most pundits favourites to be relegated, produced an outstanding team performance to defeat the highly talented team from East Belfast.

Many of the large crowd at Queensway who were to witness Craig Lewis’ side record a 23 run win had come to watch CI’s overseas South African ex-international player Justin Kemp display his talents.

They were, however, to be disappointed as he not only failed to take a wicket, he scored only 8 before being bowled by a Jaffa from Peter Bell.

Only Johnny Thompson of the big named visiting players got a notable score but when he was 8th out, caught on the boundary by Lewis off Aphale for 67, their slim hope of victory was gone.

Earlier in the day home captain Lewis decided to bat first and openers Adam Jamison and Ross Bailey made a patient start.

Bailey departed at 21 and this brought Kaushik Aphale to the wicket.

The likeable little Indian, known as Alfie to the home supporters shared in a 89 run partnership with Jamison before departing for 42.

Just 6 runs later Jamison was LBW for a very valuable 47 but this left the Queensway men on 117 for 4.

Bell fell shortly afterwards and at 130 for 5 this brought Cumins in to join the hard hitting Lewis.

This pair increased the run rate putting on 63 with some well placed shots before Cumins was caught for 23.

Lewis remained to the end striking 4 x 6s and 4 other boundaries in a well composed 56 not out as the innings closed on 212 for 6.

The Derriaghy bowlers were confident when they took to the field and all 7 bowlers used stuck to their task with great conviction.

Their ground fielding was top order and along with an outstanding catch from keeper Jamison they produced what was easily the most remarkable result of all in the NCU for many a day.

Lewis with 2/28, Bell 2/36 and Aphale 2/40 were the most successful bowlers while W Hughes, M Stinson and Cumins got 1 each.

A special word must also go to Devon student Dan Fuzzard who on debut sent down 7 tidy overs but without success.

The club thank Brian Cuthbert Refrigeration for sponsoring the match ball.

This week it is Irish Senior cup action for Derriaghy when they travel to top North West side Donemana for a 1st round match.

Following their promotion last year Derriaghy Thirds made the short journey up to face rivals Lisburn and came away winners by 56 runs.

It was very pleasing to see two of last seasons successful Under 15 squad being mainly responsible for this victory.

Michael Jones hit a superb 71 not out while Sam Cardosi recorded 27 in their total of 137 for 4.

Cardosi was then the main destroyer of Lisburn taking 4 for 13 while Lewis Curry took 2 for 17 as the home side were skittled out for 81.

This week the Seconds begin their quest for league honours with a home game v Holywood while the Thirds travel to Academy.