Godbole’s efforts all in vain again

Godbole scored 119 out of Lurgan’s 219 all out, an innings that included 15 fours and 3 sixes.

However it was to no avail as yet another poor display in the field saw the home side triumph.

Lurgan had progressed quickly to 42 before Cliftonville opening bowler Matthew McCord got in on the act. McCord was moving the ball in the air and in the space of 8 runs dismissed Derek Wilson (18), Stephen Chambers (4) and Neil Anderson (0) to leave Lurgan on 50 for 3.

One run later and Jack Harrison was dismissed by Blaine for 21. There was no stopping the stylish Godbole who continued to pile on the runs scoring boundaries to all parts of the ground.

He was eventually dismissed going for another maximum only to be caught by Terrett off the bowling of Munn with the score on 208.

The Lurgan innings ended 11 runs later setting the home side a much higher target for victory than they had expected.

Lurgan opening bowlers Ali Zaheer and Oliver McCollum were unlucky not to get an early breakthough.

Two difficult and one not so difficult chances were missed and an early wicket or two could have had a big influence on the outcome of the match.

As it was, Cliftonville’s David Munn and Neil Cahill settled in and, particularly after the 30 minute rain break, took the attack to the Lurgan bowlers.

Munn (72 no), Cahill (69) and an undefeated 43 from Johnny Terrett were the basis for what was in the end a convincing 8 wicket victory.

This defeat leaves Lurgan with only one win out of five with two important games this week, away to Templepatrick and at home to Donacloney.

The ball sponsors for Lurgan’s game this week was David Brown of AB&C Insurance.

Lurgan Cricket Club were delighted to welcome the NCU President’s XI to Pollock Park on Friday night to play a 20/twenty game against a Lurgan XI.

The match was held in honour of NCU President Billy Boyd, a lifelong member of Lurgan Cricket Club, in recognition of the tremendous work he has contributed to local cricket over the years. Lurgan CC wish Billy continued success during his Presidency”.

Match Result - Lurgan XI beat an NCU Presidents XI by 6 wickets.

NCU President’s XI - 150 for 6 wkts (M Esau 62, H Doyle 43, N Gelson 3 for 26).

Lurgan XI - 153 for 4 wkts (18.3 overs) (S Chambers 37, F Viljoen 26, M Esau 2 for 32).

Man of the Match: Mano Esau.