NCU Cricket: Defeat for Larne against Laurelvale

Larne appeared on the verge of victory when Aaron McKinley picked up four early wickets to leave the visitors in tatters at 23-5. And After seven overs McKinley had taken 4-14.

Restrictions placed on young, fast bowlers meant he had to be removed from the attack at that point and Larne were unable take any further wickets, eventually losing by five wickets.

On Sunday, a batting collapse saw the club’s Seconds throw away a much-needed victory.

They travelled to Civil Service and after losing the toss had reached a promising position of 126-5 after 25 overs.

Instead of pushing on past a total of over 150, Larne then collapsed dramatically as they lost their last five wickets for just one run.

Chris Lough (25) and Neil Campbell (32) were the top two scorers as the side was bowled out for 127 with almost two overs unused.

That collapse was to prove very costly as CSNI eventually got home in the final over.

Larne had been confident of defending that total in what were difficult batting conditions. The long outfield made boundaries hard to come by.

In the end, the home side crucially hit four sixes and nine fours with Larne failing to clear the boundary and only hitting five fours.

Mike Lyle and Jack Mitchell both bowled well and picked up a wicket each during economic spells.

Eddie Hunter’s off-spin brought him two wickets but some poor fielding cost Larne dearly.

Civil Service were able to attack the other bowlers and eventually reached their target in the final over to win by six wickets.