CRICKET: Waringstown too strong for Carrickfergus

If you follow Carrickfergus, no need for despondency, there is definitely the basis of a decent team in the making. On a pitch which had been under the covers, there was always going to be assistance for the bowlers early on.

Anthony Martin, and in particular Michael Armstrong, made full use of it. Firstly, Armstong put one just short of a length to James Hall, moving away, Pat Botha took the catch at slip. In his next over something similar saw James McCollum caught by Max Burton and Waringstown were 11-2.

Adam Dennison and Lee Nelson set about rebuilding with the former playing the dominant role. By drinks it was 84-2, Dennison to the fore.

A big score looked his for the taking until his partner called him for a single; rather that say ‘no’ he came on and was run out by Jamie Holmes throw. In all, he contributed 57 from 72 balls.

Fresh from his five-wicket haul against Muckamore Ryan Eagles proved useful with the ball. The 33rd over can best be described as madness, first professional Cobus Pienaar aimed an ambitious reverse sweep; outcome – clean bowled.

Greg Thompson lasted three balls. He hit Eagleson in the air and no mistake from Jamie Holmes. Suddenly 110-2 became 117-5, could Carrick barge the door in?

Again Waringstown repelled the boarders; Nelson the rock as first David Dawson (26 off 30 balls) and Kyle McCallan (25 off 27) added impetus. Finally Nelson perished, charging down to Robert Smith, young Burton even had time to miss and rewind.

Carrick’s response was cautious but in the ninth over skipper Iain Parkhill was dismissed (lbw), followed by Francis Collins, caught by Dawson.

Pat Botha and Jamie Holmes steadied things. Botha struck seven boundaries in a 35 ball 33 it was the wiles of McCallan that saw his downfall, caught by Gary Kidd.

Alex Haggan then spooned the simplest catch to Pienaar and Holmes and Robert Smith added 43 before Eaglestone took a superb catch at short fine and Holmes was gone for 39. The last six fell for 32.