Millpark and Donaghcloney reach final

Millpark batted first and posted 122 off their 20 overs. The scoring rate was slow initially as Lurgan took regular wickets as Stephen Johnston struck regularly. Millpark managed to raise the run rate with some big overs with Davey Glover playing a key role in the Millpark middle order.

Lurgan started brightly scoring quicker than the required six an over. A double breakthrough saw both openers removed in quick succession. This allowed Millpark to peg Lurgan back as the batsmen struggled. Andrew Bingham looked to bat Lurgan back into a winning position before he was dismissed by a great catch at point. The game then looked to be Millpark’s before Stephen Leckey came in against his old club and almost won it. With 12 needed of the last over, Lurgan came up just short and Millpark won by one run.

The second semi-final saw the clash of last year’s finalists Victoria and Donaghcloney. Victoria were first to bat and looked like they were going to struggle to post a respectable total as wickets fell all too easily. Fortunately, teenagers Adam McClelland and Andy Gray were on hand to guide the home side to 112 off their 20 overs.

Although the total looked a little below par, Victoria were still in with a chance. Victoria managed to keep the run-rate slightly below the required level and were in with a chance when Hylands was removed and the Donaghcloney were 43-3 after 8. The partnership between Jonny Stevenson, who scored 42 not out, and R. Lyttle, put Donaghcloney firmly in control. Donaghcloney reached the required runs in the 16th over for the loss of two more wickets to win by 5 wickets.

The final will be hosted in Lurgan Park on Friday evening, starting at 6.00pm.