Under-14's taste more success

Coleraine had recorded impressive wins over Drummond and the Nedd earlier in the month. The abandoned game with Eglinton led to the play off, hosted by Drummond.

Captain Matthew Smyth won the toss and he and Stephen Hutchinson opened the batting.

Despite a slow start both boys capitalised on fielding errors, gaining confidence and fluency. The hundred partnership was reached after 15 overs. Matthew, with 52 and Stephen 54, carried their bats to finish on 136 for 0. The pair scored 15 boundaries.

Smith and Hutchinson elated by their success, kept to their game plan and opened the bowling. Stephen with 2 for 16 and Matthew 3 for 6 reduced Eglinton to 33 for 6 after eight overs. Varun Chopra 2 for 9, Scott Torrens 1 for 9, Ross Moore 0 for 5 and Marcus Poskitt 1 for 0 completed the task, defeating Eglinton by 85 runs.

Commenting on the victory, retiring Youth Co-Ordinator, Neil Morrison, told Times Sport: “This is brilliant. I know the boys could fulfil their potential. I will continue to take a keen interest in these boys cricketing future.

“In two years time they should contend for the Under-16 League. Having said that eight members of the squad are available at Under-14 level next year, so they must have a good chance of retaining the League Cup. Absolutely superb!”

Coleraine Under-14’s: M Smith, S Hutchinson, B Johnston, V Chopra, M Poskitt, S Torrens, C Smith, R Moore, B Kirkpatrick, N Bradley, E MacCaulay, M Hutchinson.