Wallace Park return brings success as Lisburn earn win

Lisburn celebrated their first Premier League match in the Wallace Park with a well fashioned victory over visitors CIYMS, in a match sponsored by Mr Cecil Kirkwood.
Craig Ervine batting for Lisburn in Saturday's match against CIYMS at Wallace Park. US1327-510cdCraig Ervine batting for Lisburn in Saturday's match against CIYMS at Wallace Park. US1327-510cd
Craig Ervine batting for Lisburn in Saturday's match against CIYMS at Wallace Park. US1327-510cd

Although interrupted by rain in mid afternoon, the home side were able to post a competitive score of 169 in their 50 overs and some good accurate bowling saw them through with 29 runs to spare.

Lisburn were invited to bat by a CIYMS team which had been successful last week. Their decision was justified in the opening 5 overs as they dismissed Adam Berry and Robert Rankin for 0 and 1 respectively reducing Lisburn to 9 for 2 and in early trouble.

Not for the first time, Lisburn were rescued by the class of Craig Ervine who ‘dug in’ and along with professional Darryl Brown, added 31 precious runs for the third wicket. The pair were unfortunately parted in the 11th over when Brown was caught behind the wicket playing a ‘loose shot’ leaving Lisburn on 40 for 3.

Ervine then was joined by Stephen Allen, and the two batsmen again set about building a decent score. Ervine did the bulk of the scoring during their 22 overs together at the crease, adding 64 for the 4th wicket and when Allen was out in the 33rd over he had battled for his 17 runs, having difficulty finding the middle of the bat.

However, his effort was greatly appreciated by Lisburn and particularly Craig Ervine who would much prefer not to have to carry the Lisburn batting on his own every week and with 17 overs remaining in their innings, they were hoping for a final total of around 180 or 185.

Nathan Waller joined Ervine at the wicket and was more restrained than usual as he watched his partner begin to play some fine shots. The pair added just 28 before Waller was clean bowled for 13 by CI professional Jacob Mulder and just 8 runs later Lisburn captain, Davey Simpson was also bowled by the evergreen Tiamor Khan for 6 as Lisburn reached 134 for 5 in the 40th over.

Unfortunately for Lisburn, Craig Ervine mistimed his shot in the 47th over and was out for another superb innings of 87 and the late order Lisburn batting could not accelerate the scoring in the final few overs. Between them they added only 35 off the last 10 overs and when the innings was completed in the 50th over, Lisburn accrued a less than convincing 169 for 9.

CIYMS began their innings in stubborn fashion with top performer Chris Dougherty and Moor digging in to take the edge off the Lisburn opening bowlers, Davey Simpson and Nathan Waller. The pair occupied the crease for almost 16 overs before Moor was lbw to Darryl Brown for a determined 21. The opening pair had added 41 in the stand and given their team a firm base and when Dougherty put on a further 23 with Clarke before Brown again produced the ball to have him caught by Stephen Allen behind the wicket in the 22nd over.

CI had reached 64 by the half way stage and were beginning to struggle to keep up with the required run rate.

Lisburn fully deserved their 3rd win of the season thanks to the superb effort by Craig Ervine and the excellent sustained bowling attack. Davey Simpson again led from the front with 3 for 21 off his 10 overs. Darrryl Brown was equally impressive with 3 for 29 while 1 Craig Ervine bowled 10 tight overs in the middle of the CI innings for just 19 runs. Carl Williams also bowled well with 1 for 22 off his 5 overs including the prize wicket of danger man Chris Dougherty.

Returning to the Park was also a big factor in this success and with a run of home games coming up from July 20th, the chance of climbing the Premier League is looking good. Lisburn do not have a fixture on Saturday but on July 13 they make the trip to Comber to take on North Down. Earlier in the season Lisburn were totally outplayed by the Comber side in the Challenge Cup but on this occasion, the match is sure to be a much closer affair.

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