Superb win for Derriaghy

Having arrived at Phoenix Park well in advance of the scheduled 12.30 start they then had to endure a near 5 hour wait until the ground dried sufficiently to permit a reduced 30 over game.

Derriaghy skipper Craig Lewis won the toss and batted first and was delighted with the 159 his side managed. The skipper led the way with a hard hitting 61 and he was well supported by Andy Kenny who made 32. There was also useful contributions from Kaushik Aphale, Peter Bell and Matty Jennings.

The Phoenix reply was delayed due to a computer malfunction when producing the Duckworth Lewis target and this resulted in them facing a revised total of 146 in 26 overs. The Queensway men ensured they never got near the required runs thanks to some inspired bowling and fielding.

Kaushik Aphale led the way with 4 wickets for 12 runs in 5 overs while Lewis, Curtis Moorhead and Wayne Hughes also chipped in with wickets. The catching was of an equally high standard with two catches apiece for Jennings and Moorhead. In the end the Dublin side were all out for 99 giving the visitors a 47 run win.

Last Sunday Derriaghy were due to replay their Ulster Bank Challenge cup game against Academy but it to fell foul of a wet ground.

The teams will now have a final attempt at a 20 over game during the week. The winners of this will host Waringstown on Saturday.

Derriaghy members, like many others in the NCU, were saddened to hear of the death of Beattie Arlow last week. As well as being a highly regarded umpire Beattie was one of the top grounds men in Ireland who assisted the club on many occasions. Condolences from everyone at Queensway go out to his family.