Poor fielding results in defeat against Bangor

Setting the home side a target of 260 to win, a poor bowling and catching display was the key factor in costing Lurgan the points.

It was a confident batting display by the visitors. Stephen Chambers was in fine form top scoring with 55 of 67 balls.

Professional Niranjan Godbole was unfortunate to be run out just 2 short of his half century while there were quick runs at the end of the innings from Stephen Johnston (35) and Zaheer Ali (22).

An undefeated maiden century by Bangor’s Paddy English (110no) was the cornerstone of the home side’s reply. He was well supported by former Lurgan player Nicky McCollum who hit 48 but significantly both players were dropped earlier in their innings, English when he was on 50 and McCollum before he had scored.

At the 25 over mark Bangor had just passed the 100 mark for the loss of 3 wickets and Lurgan were still favourites, but the big hitting English eventually took the game away from the visitors as they passed the 260 run target in the 49th over.

Lurgan have passed the 200 mark in all three of their league games to date, yet they have won only one. Emphasis on fielding in particular is essential in order to get their league campaign back on track.

The ball for this game was kindly sponsored by Rodney Smylie.