CRICKET: Seconds make it three wins from three
COLERAINE Second XI enjoyed a successful weekend as they collected victories over two of the top sides in their division.
On Saturday at Creevedonnell they were put into bat and soon made the home side toil in the field at they posted an impressive 250 for 6 in their 40 overs. This was due largely to a magnificent knock of 100 by the talented Peter Wallace. He came to the crease with the score on 39 and helped to add exactly 200 runs including a partnership of 48 with Bernard Finlay (21) and 116 with Stephen Harper (41) who also batted superbly. Wallace's innings will remain long in memory of all who witnessed it as sent the opposition bowlers to all parts of the ground and neighbouring fields, in a chanceless innings that included 8 fours and 5 sixes.
Creevedonnell's reply could not have not got off to a worse start with two wickets falling in the opening over which was bowled by Stephen Harper. The first wicket came courtesy of a stunning reflex catch by Alistair Handforth at cover to dismiss the dangerous Clive Edgar. The ball seemed to have past him when it was plucked out of the air and this spectacular catch set the tone for the rest of the afternoon as Coleraine held everything that came their way.
Creevedonnell to their credit launched something of a fightback thanks to 70-run partnership between Thomas and Neely. However, once Thomas fell to Rishi Chopra for a well-played 52 Coleraine knew the game was within their grasp. Captain Nigel Barr had an immediate impact starting with a wicket maiden on his way to picking up 2-21, but not for the first time this season it was young Rishi Chopra who claimed the best analysis of day with 4-29. The young off-spinner added to his ever-growing reputation as he polished off the tail in style as Creevedonnell were eventually dismissed for 164, 96 runs short of their target.
Sunday's game followed a similar pattern with Coleraine losing the toss and being asked to bat first. This time, however, the dry slow surface was not conducive to strokeplay and Coleraine's batsmen were forced to work hard for their runs. Following the early loss of Michael Bullock, Dane Templeton (18) and Jonathan Elder (18) combined well to help rebuild the innings.
The scoring was then accelerated throughout the middle overs with Bernard Finlay (36), Stephen Harper (23) and Alistair Handforth (30) all making important contributions. An aggressive 27 from Aamar Malik at the death helped Coleraine to post a very competitive 183 from their 40 overs.
Some wayward opening bowling almost cost Coleraine the game with no less than 46 runs coming off the first four overs. The introduction of Alistair Handforth proved inspired as he dismissed both openers and the lynchpin Roy McBrine in quick succession. When a sharp diving catch from Dane Templeton off the bowling of Stephen Harper got rid of Warren Riddles for a duck it JUDO players from the Coleraine area excelled at the Northern Ireland Area Grading held last week at Clondermott College in Londonderry. Rebecca Cuckoo (15) who is a Year 11 pupil at Coleraine College, was promoted to 1st Kyu Brown belt which means she is now eligible to work towards the coveted judo black belt. Rebecca's brother Stephen (16) who has also had an outstanding year of competition success was promoted to brown Belt 2nd Kyu which means he just needs one more grade to reach 1st Kyu to catch his sister in the family race towards black belt.
From the Junior Club Samantha Watt (12) had two convincing wins and was promoted to 8th Mon (middle orange belt) and club mate Vincent Massellis (13) was promoted from 7th Mon to 9th Mon (high orange belt) at the grading. The only player from the UUC Club to enter the grading was lightweight Kingsley Hepburn who was promoted to 6th Kyu (senior green belt) which put him in a strong position when the club kicks off for a new term in October.
Although Judo at the Coleraine Clubs traditionally grinds to a halt during July and August readers interested in taking up the Olympic combat sport of Judo for competition, self defence or just good fun should come along to Coleraine Leisure Centre any Friday evening from the beginning of September where coaches Richard Briggs and Phillip Duncan will be happy to arrange a suitable class.
The Coleraine club resumes training on Friday 4 September at 7.30pm for Juniors (8-15 yrs) and 8.30pm for Seniors (16yrs+).
was clear that Coleraine had regained the advantage.
This position was consolidated by spinners David Doey and Rishi Chopra who bowled exceptionally well in tandem to keep the pressure on the Donemana batsmen. Doey picked up 3-19 in his eight overs and Chopra was even more miserly with 7-1 including two maidens. Donemana sides are renowned for never giving up, however, and this team proved no different.
Youth and experience combined well in the form of James Parkhill and William McBrine who looked like they could still pose a threat even with the run rate over eight an over in the closing stages. Their resistance was finally broken when Nigel Barr pulled off one the finest catches ever seen at Sandel Lodge. Off his own bowling he dived one-handed to the right and caught the ball while his body was completely airborne, made all the more remarkable by the fact that he managed to shed his glasses in the process!
He then promptly took the last wicket to cap off an impressive 45-run victory. After such a good team performance Coleraine will go into next week's games against the Nedd and Drummond hoping they will be able to continue their winning run and force themselves back into contention for the league title.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Coleraine
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 5 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 32 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 9 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
