Town back on top of league table

After double defeats against Downpatrick and Woodvale the previous weekend the town side had victories over Donacloney and Derriaghy on Friday night and Saturday.
On Friday night Donacloney were the hosts at the Factory Ground for a re-scheduled 20 over game. The villagers batted first and reached 102 for three, Neil Carson top scoring with 54 not out.

John Guy, Paul Stafford and Andrew Bingham shared the wickets.
In reply Lurgan made 103 for two with Niranjan Godbole hitting 43 not out and James McCollum 38 to leave the town side the winners by eight wickets.

On Saturday at Pollock Park, Derriaghy won the toss and decided to bat first reaching 210 for six after 50 overs. An excellent partnership of 60 for the second wicket between Ballentine (44) and Bailie (36) laid the foundation for the visitors with Ewart top scoring on 52 not out.

Stevie Anderson was the most successful Lurgan bowler with three for 54 off 10 overs. John Guy had one for 37, Paul Stafford one for 34 and Niranjan Godbole one for 43, all off 10 overs each.
In reply Lurgan got off to a great start with Stephen Johnston and Mark Stinson putting on 74 for the first wicket before Stinson departed for 18. Skipper Johnston was joined by Niranjan Godbole and Johnston reached his half century off 40 deliveries before being dismissed for 78.

Professional Niranjan Godbole’s sparkling form continued as he scored 75 runs, his half century coming from 43 deliveries. James McCollum was still there at the finish on 25 not out as the town side cruised past the visitors total in the 40th over to win by seven wickets.
With Woodvale losing twice in the past week, Lurgan have leap-frogged the Ballygomartin Road side to lead the table by four points with four games remaining.