Section One leaders Academy lose unbeaten record against Woodvale

However, Matthew Palmer’s lads are still at the summit in Section 1, but they now share leadership with Downpatrick and Derriaghy.

The decision to bat first back-fired when Academy were skittled out for 113 in 41 overs, with not a single batsman getting into the 20s.

Rory Thompson hit 19, followed by Chris Halliday 18, David Greenlees 14 and Mitchell Atkins 13. Mitch Dickeson and Stephen Fawcett had the best partnership of the innings with 26 for the fifth wicket.

The home side knocked out the runs in 26 overs for the loss of only two wickets. Mitchell Atkins was Academy’s sole successful bowler with 2 for 35.

“We didn’t bat all that badly, with our low total being due to some excellent Woodvale bowling,” said club secretary, Jack Quinn. “It was a fairly good batting wicket, but we were without our top batsman, Andre Halbert. He has a knee problem but should be fine for Saturday’s National Cup second-round tie in Dublin,” he added.

Michael Warke’s 2nd XI had a walkover in the Intermediate Cup when their opponents, Laurelvale II, were unable to field a team. In the next round Academy travel to Woodvale II on June 20.

Adam Sloan’s Thirds defeated Cregagh III by 9 wickets in the Minor (Lindsay) Cup. Fixtures: Rush v 1st XI; 2nd XI v Lurgan II, home; 4th XI v Muckamore IV, home, Minor Qualifying Cup.