Lucky 13 for century history maker Hall

On a day were the sun and blue skies returned to Northern Ireland it was a fine afternoon for the players and spectators alike and they were treated to some fine batting on both sides.

Visitors Lisburn won the toss and decided to bat first and by the 10th over the game looked set for an early finish as they slumped to 30 for four. Thanks to two wickets each from Cobus Pienaar (3-41) and Phil Eaglestone (2-38).

Nathan Waller playing his first game of the season for Lisburn arrived at the crease in the 12th over with his side in trouble. He departed in the 48th over following one of the finest knocks from a visiting player to be seen at the Lawn.

The Zimbabwean pushed the home sides bowling with some powerful ball striking as he smashed it to all parts of the ground in his knock of 111 from 105 balls (7x4, 6x6).

He had support from Steve Lazars (33) and Captain David Simpson (20) as Lisburn reached 230 for nine at the halfway stage.

On the bowling front Kyle McCallan proved economical with his ten overs costing just 21 runs including three maidens. James McCollum chipped in with (2-36) from his seven overs including the wicket of Waller in the 48th over and Gary Kidd (1-46) was the other Waringstown wicket taker.

In the Waringstown reply the opening stand of James McCollum and James Hall started patiently as they saw off the new ball and moved along to 28 without loss after ten overs.

The 50 partnership was brought up in the 14th over and just before the drinks break the pair has put 100 runs on the board.

Just after bringing up their 150 stand together the partnership was broken at 159 as McCollum (61) from 102 balls including seven boundaries got a leading edge while trying to sweep.

Professional Cobus Pienaar joined Hall who was now well into the 90’s and it wasn’t long before he smashed another boundary through mid-wicket to bring up a fine 100 from 105 balls (10x4, 2x6) and also become Waringstown’s leading century maker with 13. He did depart next ball caught behind of the bowling of Richard McConkey and as he walked to the pavilion he received a standing ovation.

Adam Dennison joined Pienaar with just over 50 runs required for victory and the pair saw Waringstown through to victory in the 49th over with 10 balls to spare with Pienaar 35 not out and Dennison 23 not out.

This weekend the 1st XI make the trip to Belmont to take on CIYMS with the match having an 11am start.

Lisburn 230-9 (50.0 overs, N Waller 111, S Lazars 33, C Pienaar 3-41, P Eaglestone 2-38, J McCollum 2-36)

Waringstown 231-2 (48.2 overs, J Hall 100, J McCollum 61, C Pienaar 35*, A Dennison 23*)