Lurgan suffer promotion setback but Victoria win

Lurgan’s push for Section One promotion suffered a setback with Saturday’s eight-wicket defeat by Bangor.
Lurgan Tigers under 15s finished as joint winners of the league title alongside Instonians. A recent defeat of Ballymena helped the young players capture title glory.INLM36-105Lurgan Tigers under 15s finished as joint winners of the league title alongside Instonians. A recent defeat of Ballymena helped the young players capture title glory.INLM36-105
Lurgan Tigers under 15s finished as joint winners of the league title alongside Instonians. A recent defeat of Ballymena helped the young players capture title glory.INLM36-105

Stephen Johnston and Jonny Hunter pushed the score to 28 ahead of a batting collapse that resulted in the loss of nine players for just 37 in return.

The final tally of 65 featured 12 extras.

A fine catch by Hunter off Callum Grieve’s bowling proved a highlight but Bangor cruised home.

Lurgan remain top of Section One by four points entering the final fixture at home against Woodvale.

“Bangor got some movement with the ball early on but a number of Lurgan batsmen will be questioning the shots they played,” said a Lurgan spokesman. “Defeat for Carrick, however, has provided a lifeline.”

Victoria need at least one win from three fixtures to secure Section Two safety following a recent defeat of Cooke Collegians.

Victoria had the hosts on 95 for nine thanks to consistent bowling. Darren Vennard posted 29, with Mohammad Ajmal on 18 in the four-wicket win.