Locals in battle to avoid the drop

With the Section One tight at the bottom, any win is precious in the bid to stay in the division.

After heavy rain on Friday, it was somewhat surprising that this game managed to start on time albeit that some areas of the outfield were soft.

With the visitors winning the toss and batting, Derriaghy quickly made them regret that decision, and Mark Stinson in particular, as he captured three early wickets for 14 runs.

After this, the home bowlers remained on top and with the assistance of some good catches, restricted the Ballygomartin Road men to 97 all out in 35 overs. After his three early scalps, Stinson returned to finish with four for 41 while Craig Lewis took two for 17 in seven overs.

The home side lost an early wicket in their run chase but then Alfie Aphale (30) and Jonny Bell brought the total to 45 before Alfie departed.

None of the next four batsmen really applied themselves and when Bell was sixth out for a patient 21 with still 30 required, you could sense the tension on the home bench.

Scott Hughes and Aaron Kinnin scampered another 19 runs before both fell in quick succession to leave their side at 88 for 8.

M Stinson and Wayne Hughes held their nerve and with a straight hit six, Wayne saw the 100 up and clinched victory by two wickets all in one fell swoop.

This win leaves Derriaghy, along with five other teams, on six wins. With just five games remaining for most of them, any one could get relegated with the already doomed Dundrum who Derriaghy travel to tomorrow (Saturday).

There is no doubt that Senior League One is proving to be the most open and interesting of all the leagues in the NCU this season.