Lurgan fall six runs short in close encounter at Derriaghy

Tighter fielding and bowling and an excellent century by professional Kaushik Aphale probably edged the visitors the points.

Derriaghy won the toss and had soon rattled up 60 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first 10 overs, helped along by some short pitched deliveries by the Lurgan bowlers.

The introduction of spinners Paul Stafford and Niranjan Godbole eventually slowed the run rate down as the innings moved towards the drinks break.

There were early wickets for McCollum, Baig and Stafford but Aphale, after surviving what must have been a very close LBW appeal off the bowling of Ferris, continued to score steadily.

He had just passed his century when a delivery from Paul Stafford beat the bat allowing keeper Stephen Chambers to remove the bails. While Aphale was still at the crease a big Derriaghy total was on the cards and while a further 50 runs were added after he had gone, a closing total of 232 for 6 was certainly within Lurgan’s reach.

Curtis Moorhead finished on 35 not out for Derriaghy while Paul Stafford returned the best figures for the home side with 3 for 38 off his 10 overs.

A double wicker third over by Craig Lewis saw Oliver McCollum (4) and two balls later Stephen Chambers (0) back in the Clubhouse with only 10 runs on the board.

However Lurgan professional Niranjan Godbole continued his excellent run of form and together with Jack Harrison they took the total to 56 before Harrison was out for 18, middling a shorter delivery from Stinston straight to Aphale at mid-off and he held on to a stinging catch.

With the rain clouds looming and the light dimming, Lurgan continued to keep up with the run rate with Peter Maxwell (25) and then Neil Anderson supporting Godbole.

Lurgan’s task however became more difficult when Aphale forced Godbole into a straight drive caught and bowled for a fine 80 runs. Neil Anderson (53) kept the Town side in the hunt with a huge six in the last over, but when he was out stumped by Jamison off Aphale, Lurgan fell just short of victory.

The ball sponsors for Lurgan’s games over the last few week were Paul Lyttle, Maureen Leathem and Joan Sands.

On Saturday Lurgan are away to Bangor who also have one win from two games.