Thirds win again

In conditions perfect for cricket, Burndennett won the toss and elected to field. Openers Paul and Matthew Douglas gave Coleraine a comfortable start until a mix up in running between wickets led to an unfortunate early dismassal for the very promising youngster, Matthew Douglas.

Brother Paul didn't let this affect him and set about the Burndennett opening bowlers with good shots all round the wicket. He was joined by Conall Devlin, who is showing strong batting prowess this season and a developing maturity. Together they raced the score along at almost eight runs per over before Devlin missed a seaming ball just two shy of fifty.

A quick fire twenty one from Purvis was unfortunately cut short when he failed to make his ground for a quick single.

Matthew Caufield joined Douglas and after a shaky start soon settled to produce a fine innings and take the score beyond 200. The late innings run chase began in earnest and inevitably players sacrificed wickets. Douglas fell on seventy nine. Commendable effort when considering, along with many of the boys in this squad, he is playing two games on a Saturday for school and club.

This left Burndennett facing a formidable 261 to win from their 40 overs.

Coleraine soon settled the outcome of the tie with a spell of quick bowling from Adam McIlwaine that was too good for his opponents. Adam has firey pace that is going to benefit Coleriane Cricket Club. He has developed accuracy and skill in deviating the ball off the seam and it is great to see him back in Coleraine colours. His efforts were well supported in the field and by his fellow bowlers.

Once again fine performances were turned in by Gerry McEwan, Michael MacRaild and Rory Handforth. With Conall Devlin and Matthew Caufield showing a return to bowling form the burndennett innings was rapped up after late resistance for 166.

It is worth singling out in this performance not ony the skills of batsmen and bowlers. The fielding was strong and in Matthew Douglas Coleraine have found an excellent young wicket keeper. His keeping to the pace of McIlwaine and his stumping from spinner Handforth and a catch behind the stumps puts cricket above the realms of the beautiful game.