Cricket Pages: HOME & Latest | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015| 2014 | 2013 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 1984 | 1964 | History | Club Info
Club News, Match Reports and Results
August 2011
🏏 Roundup
Firsts end on a winning note to finish 6th in league - Armagh Firsts finished the season winning 3 of their last 4 games to finish sixth in what could be described as a "topsy turvy" season. Armagh entertained Larne in their final fixture and dismissed them for 157, largely thanks to Andy Walbran (4-22) and Mark Stinson (3-37). A total of SIXTY extras didnt help the cause which was the main downfall of Armaghs eason this year, giving the opposition to many freebies. In chasing the total, Armagh completed the target with ease using only three batsmen. Michael Villiers ended a solid season with a quick fire 32, leaving Dean Lester (55 not out) and Colly Russell (54 not out) to finish the task at hand. Colly finishing quite a magnificant season in style with two boundaries. An end of season report to follow on the ups and downs of the season.
The Seconds ended their season with a T20 at Templepatrick and with a make shift team, ran Templepatrick close coming up 4 runs short chasing 102 to win. Paul Scowcrofts men have had an excellent season and finish in a respectable 3rd.
The Thirds have a few games left it what has been a good season for them having only lost 3 times, and if they get their final our games have a chance of the league title.
August 2011
🏏 Roundup
Firsts win two on bounce to keep hopes alive - Two wins in three games allowed Armagh to practically secure 6th place in the league with one game remaining. After a rocky season Armagh were hoping to finish on a high and wins against a lacklustre Dunmurry and Junior Cup champions Cooke Collegians, which was with half a team due to many players with rugby commitments. They lost in a T20 fixture with Cooke Collegians. With one game to go, Armagh will be hoping to finish on a high awaiting the decision of the NCU for the new league structures next year.
The Seconds, with their steady season have won and lost recently and sit in third place with one game to go.
Armagh Thirds have had a solid season and with a number of games still be arranged, if all played, the thirds have the potential of finishing in the top two.
August 2011
🏏 Roundup
Firsts face uphill battle at the closing end of the season - Things got from bad to worse for Armagh as they slipped to 7th in the table after another defeat, although against table topping Academy they did push them close. Not knowing for definate were they need to finish in the league to secure their posotion in the league next year, Armagh knew a win was needed. After some early morning rain the match was reduced to a 43 over game. Armagh won the toss and elected to bowl first. With what can only be described as a "shocking" outfield, runs were found hard to come by. You could have hit the ball along the ground like a bullet and still only get 1 or 2 runs the grass was that thick and cuttings still visible on the ground. Anyways back to the game. Academy posted 176 for 7, with some late hitting getting them to what was still a target Armagh could chase. Tight bowling from the ever reliable Alan Whitcroft and the return of David "Bunky" Bullick which was much appreciated by the rest of the team, kept Armagh in with a chance of victory.
Armagh got off to a slow but steady start. They kept wickets in hand but when they slipped behind the run rate and with runs already hard to come by, things werent looking so comfortable. With guys coming in looking to boost the run rate it inevitably brought wickets thick and fast. Opener Dean Lester was being patient and when he was at the crease with Bullick, looked about attacking any bowling. They brought Armagh back into the game with Lester (43) and Bullick (35) the main contributors of the total. Some late hitting from McCarter give the Armagh hopeful a glimmer, but eventually Academy ran out winners by 23 runs, much to their relieve as it showed at the end of the game. Armagh have four games left against fellow struggling teams and will be looking to win at least three of these games.
Armagh Seconds entertained Cregagh Seconds on the Mall. Armagh posted 176-4 in their allotted overs thanks to the ever reliable skipper Paul Scowcroft with 68 and a brisk 38 from Seamus Crowe in the closing overs. Extras were to cost Armagh as Cregagh eased to the total with 5 wickets in hand. Although their is no promotion in their league this year, they should be safe enough and still occupy a hard fought contest at the top of the table with as little as 6 teams able still to win the league.
On Monday 15th August, the Thirds travelled to Eaton Park for a T20 league game. Ballymena could only muster 83-9 thanks to excellent bowling from skipper Keith Wilson (3-8) and Johnny Morton (3-11). Armagh only lost two wickets in the chase with Matthew Brownlee finishing on 29 not out and Simon Cardwell a valuable 23 runs. This has lifted Armagh to third in the table.
August 2011
🏏 Laurelvale Complete Double Over Firsts BUT Seconds Win
Armagh Firsts yet again slipped to a defeat in a reduced overs match against table toppers and local rivals Laurelvale. After a two hour rain delay the match finally got under way with the match being reduced to a 32 over game. Armagh were asked to bat on what was still a good batting track. Another poor batting performance against some tight bowling restricted Armagh to 140-8 in their allotted overs. Colly Russell was the only batsmen of any note with 55, having sustained a hamstring injury half way through.
In reply Armagh managed to chip away at wickets, but in the end wasnt enough and slipped to their 5th straight defeat. Armagh will have to pull things together in the crunch stage of the league, with possible restructuring deciding were they will be placed next year.
Armagh Seconds won by 9 wickets on the Sunday against Cooke Collegians. This was a 20 over game and they chased 111 for the win with 4 balls to spare. Andy Walbran top scored with a patient, yet match winning 60 not out which has lifted Armagh to joint leaders in Junior League 3, and have every chance of promotion this year.
August 2011
🏏 Misery Continues for Armagh Teams - Roundup
In recent weeks Armagh Firsts have found themselves on the slippery road towards the bottom of the table, getting themselves into a possible relegation battle they didnt predict at the start of the season. Four defeats on the bounce hasnt helped the situation. A defeat by local rivals Portadown, who are also struggling in the league is what they didnt need. Portadown batted first on a sublime Summers day on the Mall which was in tremendous order. They totalled a mammoth 325 for 6 thanks to a quite superb 107 not out from J Edgar. Armagh knew they would set the record books alight if they chased it down but always knew it was possible. The quick wickets of the top order set the writing in stone, only for the lower order to wag again with Alan Whitcroft top scoring with a quickfire 55. Armagh eventually losing by 71 runs.
The next day on another scorcher, a tired Armagh team batted first against a useful Templepatrick team. On a batting track, Armagh could only muster 178 which was well below par. Templepatrick got the total with 10 overs to spare, as Armagh wilted in the heat and only got 5 wickets to show for it.
The following weekend gave Armagh a chance for revenge as they travelled to Templepatrick, on what was another hot and humid day. Although the bowlers didnt bowl badly, Templepatrick totalled 260-7 in their 50 overs. Highlights of the fielding being two direct run outs from Gareth McCarter and Mark Stinson. Harry Doyle bowled well at the start with no reward. Armagh knew this would be tough to chase and on a dodgy pitch never really got going eventually losing by 116 runs. Colly Russell top scoring with 41.
This leads Armagh to their most recent and possibly a costly defeat by Drumaness who would be fighting for a top 4 finish. In Match 2 situation, it was a 20 over game, which seemed to make no difference as Armagh struggled to 98 all out were batsmen just gave their wickets away and poor running was the order of the day. With rain showers expected Armagh were hoping to pull an unlikely win out of the hat, but to no avail. Eventually losing by 8 wickets and 4 overs to spare.
An awful two weekends for the Firsts, with table toppers and local rivals Laurelvale awaiting them next. Armagh will be hoping to put a dent in their title hopes and get themselves out of the dorp zone.
Armagh Seconds recorded two defeats in recent weeks to Cregagh and Templepatrick. They are still in contention for promotion with the league table spicing up with six teams all in the running for those top two places. Armagh have two games this weekend against top of the table teams and wins will help them push for promotion in what has been a good season for a new looking seconds team.
26th July 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Dunmurry
Armagh recorded their first league victory in almost two months with a comfortable six wicket victory over a struggling Dunmurry side at the Mall on Sunday. Responding to the disappointing Junior Cup loss to Woodvale in Monday nights continued match and with Saturday’s match at Cooke Collegians not playable due to the awful weather, Armagh were desperately in need of a morale-boosting win.
Dunmurry captain Rowan Shah was happy to win the toss and his team got off to a fine start after some loose bowling from Armagh. The home side received a timely boost when Irwin launched into a cut off a short ball from Harry Doyle and was superbly caught by a diving Andy Walbran at short third-man. Alan Whitcroft was introduced and certainly slowed down the scoring rate, with Doyle virtually unplayable at the other end with plenty of swing available for the left-armer. Harry Boyd came into the attack and received reward in only his second over when Irvine edged through to Gareth McCarter. The Dunmurry batting continued to lead a charmed life against Harry Doyle, who completed a great spell of ten overs for only 18 runs and certainly deserving more than the one wicket he claimed.
Boyd claimed a second wicket when he had a successful lbw appeal against King, but from here on in it was the Stuart Lester show as the tall bowler ripped through the Dunmurry middle order with a display of disciplined swing bowling. Shah was clean bowled by a great inswinger and only two balls later Whitcroft took a comfortable catch at mid-on to give a second scalp. Haire was battling hard for Dunmurry, but wasn’t getting much support at the other end as Lester continued to wreak havoc, claiming the wicket of Guy courtesy of a great catch by McCarter standing up at the stumps before then removing Higgins lbw with the next delivery.
The returning Whitcroft got into the wicket-taking act, finally ending the brave resistance of Haire leg-before-wicket and in the same over enticing Donaldson down the wicket to be stumped by McCarter. Lester had an opportunity to claim a hat-trick and a five wicket haul in his next over but somehow the Dunmurry pair managed to survive, although Lester’s final figures of seven overs, four wickets for a mere twelve runs was most impressive. Whitcroft claimed the final wicket with the second ball of his sixth over, giving him figures of three wickets for only two runs as Dunmurry subsided to 78 all out.
Armagh hoped for a confident start to their chase but received exactly the opposite when Michael Villiers was caught off the very first ball of the innings. Matthew Steenson and Colin Russell looked to rebuild steadily and scored freely against some varied bowling from the Dunmurry seamers. Armagh were racing along with some sumptuous driven boundaries so Dunmurry captain Shah decided to introduce his spin bowling and was instantly rewarded as he claimed the prize wicket of Russell from his very first delivery. Armagh then got slightly careless with the winning line in sight, as both Matthew Steenson and Harry Doyle managed to hit full tosses to fielders although the former did fall to a tremendous catch on the mid-wicket boundary. Thankfully there were no further dramas for Armagh as Michael Hoey and Mark Stinson quickly added the runs needed for victory; Hoey impressing with an unbeaten 27 as Armagh completed a fairly routine 6 wicket win.
16th July 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v BISC
Armagh got back to winning ways with a victory against Belfast International Sports Club in a fixture that managed to survive the horrible downpours that plagued the Mall on Saturday. Armagh captain Gareth McCarter won the toss and chose to bat after a slightly delayed start, with Michael Villiers and Philip Doyle making a confident start against the opening bowlers. Armagh cruised to 43 without loss before suffering the double blow of losing both batsmen who looked well set, Villiers bowled by Ashish and Doyle unfortunate to be adjudged lbw. Colin Russell and Matthew Steenson looked to rebuild either side of a rain delay before the latter was deceived by the spin of Ismail. Dean Lester joined Russell in taking the score to 90-3 after 19 overs when a massive deluge of rain looked to have put the game in huge doubt but both teams worked hard to clear any standing water and have the Mall fit again for play. The time lost meant the game was reduced to a 33 over contest which would certainly favour the away side and would mean that Armagh would need to score quickly in their 14 overs remaining. This proved difficult initially as bowlers Vinoth, Ismail and Imran Yousuf were bowling great line and length with Lester falling to a catch off the bowling of Ismail. Armagh needed impetus at 107-4 when Harry Doyle joined Russell and the pair went on the attack with good shots mixed with strong running between the wickets as the score grew steadily. The in-form Russell passed his half century and continued to score freely before being stumped in the final over for a quite magnificent 72 that contained 11 boundaries. Stuart Lester could not repeat the heroics of the previous week but Doyle and Michael Hoey hit out to take Armagh to a competitive 180-6 from their 33 overs, with the former finishing on 25 not out that contained 2 “sixes”
Armagh would be hopeful of defending their score in 33 overs but with conditions improving and the maverick batting skills of the Belfast International side nothing could be definite. Armagh started well though with Harry Doyle and Mark Stinson bowling with pace and purpose, the latter removing Ismail when a short delivery was popped up to Phil Doyle on the leg side. Patra and Zaheer rode their luck on several occasions with Harry Doyle beating the bat on several occasions and having a few tough chances missed. The introduction of Stuart Lester proved a turning point as Patra fell to a excellent boundary catch by Stinson from his very first ball. Doyle got the wicket his efforts deserved as he removed BISC captain Vinoth leg-before wicket. Zaheer’s luck ran out as he was clean bowled by Lester with the same bowler taking the wicket of Dravid with another leg-before wicket verdict. When Harry Boyd took a spectacular catch from the very next ball to remove Imran, Lester had excellent figures of 4-11 from his first 4 overs. When Boyd became the successful bowler to remove the big-striking Prasanna courtesy of another great catch on the boundary from Harry Doyle the BISC innings was crumbling on 81-7. Armagh did not count on the efforts and application of Ashish and Anup who began to rebuild and indeed score quickly as the Armagh bowling became a little ragged. As the stand grew Armagh became increasingly desperate for a breakthrough and got one when Michael Hoey trapped Anup leg before wicket for 29. Ashish and Vincent tried to keep up with the growing run-rate but with Stinson and Hoey giving little away a risky single was attempted to Harry Doyle at mid-wicket and his return to wicketkeeper Gareth McCarter completed the run-out to make Armagh favourites. Hoey completed the job soon after as Harry Doyle completed another catch at short mid-wicket to remove Vincent and give Armagh a 27 run victory.
16th July
🏏 Mixed Fortunes for All Teams in Recent Weeks - Roundup
The Firsts found themselves on the winning and losing side in past two weekends. Defeat was inflicted at Drumaness in what could have been an embarrassing scoreline. Armagh slipped to 31-6 in what can be described as ordinary bowling on a dry, crumbling pitch. Mark Stinson dug in deep and began to push the score in the right direction with Boyd and Whitcroft, until them two went cheaply after much resistance. This brought Stuart Lester to the wicket with Armagh 74 for 8. These two then batted to the end of the innings, not after a few rain showers which levelled out the wicket making it batsman friendly. Lester was the more aggressive hitting 72 not out from 46 balls and Stinson playing a more controlled innings finishing on 43 not out, both top scores for the senior team. Armagh finished on 178-8 giving them a real shout of a win.
With the pitch now flat and no movement, Armagh bowlers struggled to make any real inroads into the Drumaness line up only taking two wickets, with Gelston and Walsh both recording half centuries. The margin of defeat was 8 wickets.
Armagh bounced back the following weekend (16th July) against the much improved BISC team. Armagh won the toss and batted first on a hard track which seemed batsman friendly and this was reiterated with Doyle and Villiers getting them off to a positive start. These two then fell with the score on 43. This brough Russell and Steenson to the crease when the weather set in. Heavy rain brought the game down to a 33 over match which hindered Armagh knowing they had to go out and attack. Russell scored another half century, ending on 72 and good support from Harry Doyle (25 not out) in the latter overs got Armagh to 180-7 in their 33 overs.
Armagh needed to bowl well and got off to a good start with Stinson getting a wicket with his first ball. Once again, the introduction of Lester had a big impact, as he picked up 4 wickets for a miserly 15 runs in his 6 overs. Great fielding was the order of the day to and great catches from Stinson, Boyd and the two Doyles helped Armagh to a closer than expected victory. The margin of the win was 27 runs. Both team deserves a lot of credit for wanting to play the game and clearing the heavy rain fall that fell onto the square, allowing the game to be played.
Armagh Seconds in the past few weeks have recorded victories against Millpark and title contenders Academy. They defeated an 8 man Millpark team in style with a victory of 10 wickets. Ricky Morrison scoring 71 not out in chasing down 95 for victory.
In a close game against league leaders Academy, Armagh came out on top by winning by 2 wickets. This has gave Paul Scowcrofts team a real chance of promotion this year and the next few games will be interesting.
The Thirds, like the Firsts have won and lost in the past few weeks. They defeated Ballymena Fourths and Larne Thirds by 3 wickets and 55 runs respectively. Although a defeat to Holywood most recently, Armagh still sit in the top 3 of the table and can be proud of this playing with a mixture of youth and experience all season.
9th July 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Drumaness
Armagh’s improved run of form came to an abrupt end when Drumaness strolled to a convincing 8 wicket victory in a game where rain had a large say in proceedings. The pitch at Drumaness was used and worn and the home side had little hesitation to invite Armagh to bat first after winning the toss. Few could have guessed the devastation that would follow though as the Drumaness bowlers wreaked havocand the Armagh batting crumbled to 31-6. Mark Stinson tried to lead recoveries with Harry Boyd and Alan Whitcroft but to no avail and when rain arrived Armagh looked in massive difficulties. However, the heavy shower that soaked the uncovered pitch seemed to remove all of the demons that had so troubled the Armagh batting and Stinson and Stuart Lester were able to consolidate and steadily rebuild. While Stinson was playing with a measured approach and content to take singles, his partner Lester was growing in confidence and used a much more attacking approach against the Drumaness change bowlers. The partnership grew steadily as Armagh struck out in the final overs to reach 176-8 in their 48 overs, a tremendous achievement given the perilous position they were in early on. Mark Stinson recorded his best senior score of 43 no, a tremendous gutsy effort and only overshadowed by an incredible display of hitting from Stuart Lester, whose unbeaten 72 from only 46 deliveries was his maiden first team half century. The innings contained 8 boundaries and 3 “sixes” and indeed the efforts of both had given Armagh some chance in the game.
The wicket was now very much improved for batting and Armagh struggled for a breakthrough as Neil Gelston and Gareth Walsh opened up and frustrated Armagh again, as they did in the Junior Cup tie at the Mall earlier in the season. Former Downpatrick and CIYMS star Gelston completely dominated the partnership, striking 11 boundaries and 1 six in his score of 63 before that man Lester made the breakthrough, with Gareth McCarter taking a great catch standing up to the stumps. Armagh hoped this would bring them into the game with almost 100 still required but wickets didn’t seem imminent as Walsh continued to block stubbornly while the Armagh bowlers toiled. Alan Whitcroft did claim a second wicket when he tempted Deegan down the pitch to be stumped by McCarter but by that stage Drumaness had victory well in sight. Despite desperate appeals for lbw and run-outs, Armagh would have no further success as Drumaness made it to their target comfortably, with Walsh somehow remaining unbeaten on 52 sealing an 8 wicket win.
2nd July 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Larne
Armagh recorded their third league win of the season with a comfortable victory against Larne at Sandy Bay. Armagh captain Gareth McCarter won the toss and chose to bat first on a wicket that although grassy looked to be hard. Matthew Steenson and Michael Villiers opened the Armagh innings in glorious sunshine and both looked comfortable and positive, scoring well and adding 50 in quick time. Villiers was unfortunate to be adjudged lbw to Larne’s left arm spin bowler for 22 but Colin Russell quickly rebuilt any damage done as the pair continued to score well around the large Sandy Bay ground. Double misfortune struck Armagh in quick succession as Russell then Dean Lester were given out to again what looked harsh lbw verdicts and when Matthew Steenson was caught at gully for a patient and well played 53, Armagh looked in a precarious position at 115-4. Rather than doubt though Armagh continued to be positive with new pair Harry Doyle and Michael Hoey both looking in tidy touch, playing good shots and testing fielders with brave and busy running. Steadily their partnership grew past 50 and when Hoey was out lbw for 21, Armagh were back in the game at 173-5. Mark Stinson joined Doyle and Armagh continued to score well with more strong running between the wickets and the increasingly confident Doyle striking the ball around the ground. He reached his second half-century of the season soon after and continued to be positive until dismissed in the penultimate over of the innings for a excellent innings of 66. Stinson was unfortunate to be runout soon after but more positive play from Stuart Lester and Harry Boyd saw Armagh finish their innings on a competitive 238-7 from their 50 overs.
Armagh were hopeful of being able to defend their score but knew their bowling would have to improve on recent efforts with extras a particular concern and again this lack of discipline proved costly as the top contribution in the Larne score was the extras given away by Armagh. Larne never really looked like they were going to chase down the score with only opening batsman Gary Alexander making any significant contribution with a patient knock of 45 before he was removed by the excellent spin bowling of Harry Boyd, who really deserved better figures than 1-22 from his ten overs. Harry Doyle and Stuart Lester also picked up one wicket each while Michael Hoey was able to profit from some poor batting from the Larne middle-order to finish with a credible 3-25 as Armagh won convincingly by 82 runs.
2nd July 2011
🏏 Wins for both Firsts and Seconds - Roundup
Armagh Firsts won two games in two weekends, with two comfortable wins over relegation strugglers Dunmurry and Larne. The first win over Dumurry was short and sweet. Armagh dismissing Dumurry for a paltry 89. This was helped with 4 wickets from Stuart Lester and 3 from Alan Whitcroft for very few runs. Armagh knocked off the total with ease with plenty overs to spare, winning by 6 wickets.
On 2nd July Armagh started the month well with a 83 run win at a sun drenched Sandy Bay. Batting first Armagh made good use of conditions, compiling 239-7 in their allotted overs. Every batsman contributed, with youngsters Harry Doyle and Matthew Steenson scoring 66 and 53 respectively.
Armagh were made to field the full 50 overs with Larne having no real intention of going for the win after drinks. Finally ending on 157-7 in their 50 overs. All bowlers bowled well, but once again 45 extras was the only low point of what was a good team performance.
Armagh Seconds on the same day made light work on Millpark Seconds (who only had 8 players) winning by 10 wickets. Armagh had Millpark 6-4, but somehow, late hitting got them to 89 all out. Simon Cardwell and Reggie Stinson picked up 3 and 2 wickets respectively. In the chase there was no hanging about as Ricky Morrison punished the bowlers to all parts of the Mall, with a magnificant 71 not out and skipper Scowcroft ending on 23 not out to raise Armagh to joint second in the league with promotion firmly in their sights.
20th June 2011
🏏 1st XI
The Firsts finally got their Junior Cup Quarter Final against Woodvale 2s completed on Monday, although the result was far from impressive from Armaghs standards. Having started the game on Saturday until torrential rain called it off for the rest of the day, Armagh had Woodvale 74-5, needing to return on Monday on this score to complete the game. This was courtesy of 3 quick wickets from Alan Whitcroft, who would in fact be unable to return on Monday night due to work commitments, before the rain came in.
Returning on Monday, needing only four wickets, Woodvale got another 40 runs before being all out for 114. This seemed a reasonable score on a slow, damp wicket that was at one stage under water on Saturday night. Armagh had to draft in no little than three sub fielders due to three of the original eleven unable to return due to work commitments or injury. This left Armagh needed 115 with only 7 wickets to play with, but still achievable. What was to follow was a major wake up call for Armagh. Cutting to the chase Armagh were skittled for 74, with only three players reaching double figures. Armagh failed to play the slow bowlers of Woodvale, which included 4 LBWs.
Although this now allows Armagh to try and catch up and concentrate on the league it was a majorly disappointing defeat and left most players very deflated. Armagh will need to get straight back up again if they are to stay in the already competitive league next year and need to start with a win on Saturday against Cooke Collegians.
18th June 2011
🏏 2nd XI
Armagh Seconds recorded a memorable win against a strong Cliftonville side at Mallusk. In a low scoring affair, Armagh bowled out Cliftonville for a mere 94 thanks to wickets from Seamus Crowe (4) and Paul McCord (3), ably supported by Andrew Smyth with two.
With a low target to get, it seemed easy for Armagh. Although when they slipped to 32-6, the game looked dead and buried. In form batsman and skipper Scowcoft had other ideas as he and Adam Marshall set about getting Armagh back into the game. Adam Marshall played some big shots including a towering 6 over mid-wicket, until being caught for 20 trying the same shot again. With the scores getting closer, Armagh were on 86-9, and the ever reliable skipper lead Armagh home with the one wicket remaining, thanks to Michael Hooks who played his part in the end. This was a much deserved win for a youthful second eleven, who now sit third in the league.
11th June 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Academy
Armagh slipped to another league defeat against Academy on the Mall on Saturday as a combination of poor bowling, a batting collapse and sharp practice by the opposition saw Armagh fall short by 46 runs. Armagh welcomed Alan Whitcroft back into the side in place of the injured Andrew Bratten and wouldn’t have been too disappointed when Academy won the toss and elected to bat first as there was a bit of pace and life in the pitch. Mark Stinson gave Armagh the start they wanted when he bowled Palmer in the fifth over and then had Academy’s attacking captain Shield’s safely caught by Michael Hoey at mid-off.
The onslaught did not end there as Academy legend Davy Greenlees cut loose right from the off, smashing the ball everywhere off all sorts of bowling as he reached a brisk 50. His batting partner Morgan had barely featured and fell lbw to Whitcroft as Armagh’s change bowlers began to slow the scoring rate and tie Academy down. Harry Boyd picked up deserved reward for his efforts as he clean bowled Greenlees and brought Armagh back into the game. This introduced Academy professional Ahire to the crease and he began to look comfortable after a slow start. Andrew Walbran produced a cracking delivery to remove Kelso lbw and after a bit of nonsense, Whitcroft had Wilson caught by Villiers at square leg.
Armagh were well back in contention at this stage but controversially the Academy professional then requested the use of a runner due to an “injury” and was joined by his captain Shields to do his running for him. There was no obvious sign of an injury but it certainly allowed Ahire to play freely without the extra burden of running between the wickets and he advanced to an unbeaten 83 with Stinson and Walbran picking up a further wicket each as Academy closed on an impressive 248 for 8 from their 50 overs. Despite this, Armagh were still reasonably confident of chasing the score in hand with Academy missing bowlers and Ahire surely unlikely to bowl and field given the apparent serious nature of his injury.
Michael Villiers and Philip Doyle began in confident fashion before the latter was dismissed in fairly ridiculous fashion as he was caught behind off the 7th legal delivery of the over to the dismay of the Armagh support. Undeterred, Villiers was joined by the in-form Colin Russell as they set about the Academy bowling with determination and gusto as their partnership grew steadily. Neither batsman looked overly troubled by the Academy bowling as they were able to combine boundary hits with rotating of the strike as their partnership passed 100 and Villiers moved to his first half century of the season.
Armagh were disappointed that Ahire came on to bowl seemingly unimpeded by his earlier “injury” and were outraged when he managed to sprint 20 metres to pick up and throw and runout the diving Villiers for a fine 62 that included 3 boundaries and 3 “sixes”. Despite this injustice Armagh had to move on, still fairly well placed at 133-2 after 27 overs and Russell looked in mood to rack up another big score, passing 50 for the fourth time this season. Unfortunately support was in short supply as Ahire and Greenlees tightened the screw and Armagh began to collapse, with the exit of Russell for a brilliant 78 that included 5 boundaries and 3 sixes pretty much the beginning of the end. Despite a battling unbeaten 16 from Harry Boyd, Armagh were dismissed 46 runs short of their target for another disappointing defeat.
Armagh captain Gareth McCarter was incredibly dejected after the finish as his team tumbled to another disappointing defeat. “We let Academy score far more than they ought to have through a mixture of average bowling and their professional being able to bat with a runner than he clearly didn’t need towards the end of the innings, that was clear from the way he moved in the field and when bowling. Academy didn’t break the rules, but they certainly flaunted the ICC Spirit of Cricket and everyone knows it. They know it, the umpires know it and we know it. It was just disappointing that we couldn’t beat them regardless and didn’t back up the efforts of Michael (Villiers) and Colin (Russell) with a bit more support. We had a good chat after the game and we are raring to go for the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming weeks.
11th June 2011
🏏 Roundup
Armagh Firsts slipped to their second league defeat in what can only be described as a "heated" and "farcical". Armagh lost the toss and were asked to field first. After two early wickets from Mark Stinson, it brought Greenlees to the wicket and he would take to the pace bowling with great affect, hitting it to all parts in a quickfire 50. Harry Boyd and Alan Whitcroft were introduced to take the pace of the ball and both bowled well with Boyd getting Greenlees out and Whitcroft picking up 2 wickets in their ten over spells. "Heated" is used as a rift between an Academy batsman and our wicketkeeper halted play for a short period of time. With Academy struggling, their professional, P Ahire, had got them back into the game passing 50. Coming near the end of the innings brings in the farcical side of things. The Academy professional had sustained a hamstring "injury" and a couple minutes later was a back "injury" in which he called for a runner. He went on to make 83 not out. Academy finished on 248 for 8 in their 50 overs.
Armagh started brightly, despite losing Philip Doyle for 8. This brought the inform Colly Russell to the crease alongside Michael Villiers who was also in form. They played the Academy bowlers with ease and passed the 100 partnership in no time. To the disgust of the Armagh team, Academy brought on their professional P Ahire, who had suffered from an injury earlier in the game, and went on to bowl his 10 overs, somewhat freely. To add to mix, he was the player who ran out Michael Villiers with a direct hit, after sprinting 20 yards to pick up and throw with ease. This was followed with a batting collapse and left Armagh falling short by 48 runs. The team were distraught and will need to pick themselves up for the next game. Mention must go to Colly Russell and Michael Villiers who both hit 50s. Armagh will be in Junior Cup action next week against Woodvale Seconds as it reaches the Quarter Final stages.
4th June 2011
🏏 Roundup
This is a day that Armagh Cricket Club will want to forget as all three senior teams were defeated. The Firsts travelled the short distance to local rivals Laurelvale in what proved to be a high scoring encounter on a decent batting track. Having produced excellent fielding displays in the last two matches, it was the fielding that cost Armagh the game. Laurelvale posted 289 for 6 in their 50 overs, Stuart McClelland hitting 113 and Daryl Henry 64. Both were dropped early on, and this proved costly. The only bowler of any note was Mark Stinson who took 3-42, taking out the top 3 batsmen early on.
In reply, Armagh knew it would be an uphill struggle having been in the field for 50 overs. The innings started with a lot of intent with Philip Doyle and Michael Villiers looking to score quickly. Once again, Colly Russell was in the runs with 87 in a fine display of batting. Harry Doyle was good support getting 30, and some late hitting from Mark Stinson (31) and Michael Hoey (17) got the score to 231, a decent effort from the Armagh team. Although very disappointed, Armagh know they have to move on and bounce back from this defeat.
Armagh Seconds were also defeated by local rivals Laurelvale on The Mall. Armagh batted first and in their 40 overs posted 187-5. A big mention must go to skipper, Paul Scowcroft, who hit his second century of the season, getting out off the penultimate ball of the innings for 102.
Armagh produced a good bowling display and pushed Laurelvale to the wire, with Laurelvale winning by 2 wickets with 3 deliveries to spare. Armagh finished with only 9 fielders due to injury or other commitments, and may feel the result could have went in their favour had they finished with 11. Andrew Smyth picked up 3 wickets for 35 runs.
Armagh Thirds were knocked out of the Minor Qualifying Cup by Instonian Fourths. The margin of defeat was 3 wickets.
4th June 2011
🏏 Bad Day At The Office
A bad day for Armagh Cricket Club as all three teams got beat. It could get much worse as the Firsts and Seconds lost in local derby matches against Laurelvale and the Thirds were knocked out of the Minor Qualifying Cup by Instonian Fourths. All team will be looking to bounce back next weekend, weather permitting as June has started with showery rain. On Sunday 5th June 2011, rain was the winner as it cancelled the Firsts fixture with BISC, for the second time.
29th May 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Drumaness (Junior Cup 2nd Round)
Armagh survived an almighty scare against a plucky Drumaness outfit to progress to a home quarter final in the Goldblatt McGuigan Junior Cup after a feast of runs on the Mall saw Armagh prevail by a margin of 20. Armagh captain Gareth McCarter won the toss and chose to bat first on a hard pitch which looked full of runs and he would not be proved wrong! Philip Doyle and Michael Villiers instantly seemed in command as they mixed regular boundaries with intelligent running and built a steady partnership. The introduction of off-spinner Neil Gelston stemmed the flow of runs to a degree but scoring opportunities were readily available at the other end. The partnership cruised past 50 and was looking strong until Gelston got the wicket his efforts deserved, Villiers chipping a catch for a well played 28. This brought Colin Russell to the crease but it was Philip Doyle who was looking good and to the delight of the assembled crowd eventually made his way to a well deserved half century. This was Philip’s first senior half century for 4 seasons and after battling back from a career threatening injury it was well received by all. Unfortunately the innings wouldn’t last much longer as Doyle managed to pick out the one man on the leg side boundary with a pull shot but his effort of 58 that contained 9 boundaries had put Armagh in a strong position. Russell continued on his merry way dominating the bowling in his usual fashion, supported in turn by Harry Doyle who scored 21 in good time and by Matthew Steenson in a partnership of 47. Alan Whitcroft fell quickly and to the anguish of the crowd, Russell fell for 91, clean bowled for Oldroyd after an epic innings full of power and class that contained ten boundaries. Some enterprising play in the last few overs from Harry Boyd and Mark Stinson saw Armagh finish on 240-6 from their 50 overs; a strong score and one that Armagh would hope to defend.
If Armagh were to progress though they would need to remove Neil Gelston early, a high-class player with a lot of Premier League experience but there were few alarms early on as both he and his opening partner Gareth Walsh looked calm and unwilling to take any risks. Stinson and Doyle were seen out without too much trouble while Alan Whitcroft and Harry Boyd were treated with the same ultra cautious approach and when drinks were taken, Drumaness has crawled to 75 without loss from the 25 overs. Michael Hoey and Boyd continued to keep things tight after the drinks but gradually the Drumaness batsmen opened up a little, especially Gelston who was beginning to show his class and was really opening up. The equation started looking quite tight, and despite excellent spells finishing from Boyd and Hoey, some expensive overs from Stinson and Andy Walbran had Drumaness at 176-0 after 44 and looking narrow favourites. However, McCarter had saved 5 overs from Alan Whitcroft and that was to prove crucial as in successive overs he was able to remove first Gelston then Walsh. Gelston had scored a quite fantastic 109 that contained 11 boundaries and 2 big sixes while Walsh had somehow made his way to 69 through a mixture of luck and in fairness, great patience and good judgement. Once the opening stand of 179 had been broken the chase somewhat fizzled out and Armagh had further success with Harry Doyle clean bowling Oldroyd while Gartland was run-out by a direct hit from McCarter from behind the stumps. Another quality over from Whitcroft ended the match with Drumaness on 220-4 from their 50 overs, leaving Armagh victorious by 20 runs.
29th May 2011
🏏 Roundup
Armagh Firsts progessed to the Quarter Final of the Junior Cup after a high scoring game against a plucky Drumaness side. Armagh scored 240-6 in their 50 overs. Notable scores being 91 and 58 by Colly Russell and Philip Doyle respectively.
Drumaness managed to get 220-4 in their allotted overs, Neil Gelston hitting a magnificent 109. After he was out their innings faded off and Armagh just made it over the line.
The Seconds were in cup against on the back pitch on the Mall, it what can be defined as a one sided match. Muckamore bowled Armagh out for 114, with Leslie Allen, who would still be good enough for 1st XI cricket picked up 4 wickets. In reply, Muckamore had no worries in knocking off the score and only lost the one wicket, meaning Armagh are knocked out of the Intermediate Cup in Round One.
27th May 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Derriaghy (T20 Shield First Round)
Armagh were disappointed to come out second best in a closely matched encounter against Derriaghy at Queensway on Friday night in the T20 Shield after a superb bowling and fielding effort had given them a chance of a major upset.
Derriaghy won the toss and unsurprisingly elected to bat on a fine looking pitch and started well as the Armagh bowling was a little loose, but Stinson hit back well to bowl out Lewis while Harry Doyle removed South African star Daubney courtesy of a fine catch from Andrew Smyth. The innings then became the Harry Boyd show as he dazzled the Derriaghy batting with a spell of high quality off spin bowling, taking 4-12 in 4 overs, with professional Pushpalal being smartly stumped by McCarter after advancing down the pitch while others were left haplessly bowled as they were beaten by the spin. Michael Hoey and Andy Walbran also provided good support and with wickets falling at regular intervals, Derriaghy were suddenly in trouble, especially when Michael Villiers took a stunning diving catch at point. Stinson returned to clear out the tail and Derriaghy were stunned to be dismissed for a mere 107, a fabulous effort from the Armagh fielders.
Armagh would have been confident of chasing down the fairly meagre target but knew that they were up against a quality bowling attack on a small ground. Phil Doyle started with attacking intent and struck a great maximum 6, but unfortunately the next would come in the very last over as Andrew Smyth struck a mighty blow to the boundary. In-between the Armagh batting struggled to get the Derriaghy bowlers away, led superbly by their stand-in captain Craig Lewis who took the remarkable figures of 4 wickets for only 6 runs in his 4 over allocation. As hard as they tried, Armagh were never really up with the run-rate required and despite valiant efforts from Harry Doyle and Smyth, Armagh fell short by 11 runs.
25th May 2011
🏏 New Sponsor - Dominos Pizza
Armagh Cricket Club can reveal that their new sponsors for the 2011 season is Dominos Pizza. We are hoping this can beneficial for both the club and for Dominos as it is situated just across from the cricket club itself. Everyone at the club is grateful of the sponsor and hopes it can be a lasting relationship between the two entities. Below is a picture of 1st Captain Gareth McCarter (centre), Mark Stinson (left) and Matthew Steenson (right) being presented the new shirts for the season from an employee.
22nd May 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Clogher (Junior Cup 1st Round)
Armagh face a growing fixture backlog after another game fell victim to the rain on Saturday as the match with Drumaness was postponed on Saturday morning due to the persistent showers. Sunday’s Goldblatt McGuigan Junior Cup tie at Clogher was also a non-starter due to the heavy rain, but with a result required it meant that the dreaded “bowl-out” was required. A tense yet surreal event with the two teams bowling at a set of unguarded stumps in a best of five contest, linked by mobile phone. Armagh prevailed in the contest by 2 to 0; with Alan Whitcroft and Harry Doyle the pair of successful bowlers. Armagh will progress to host Drumaness in the next round which will be on the Mall on Sunday 29th May with a 1pm start. Armagh captain Gareth McCarter was relieved and delighted to get through, but conceded that he felt sorry for their opponents as it was a poor way to lose a cup tie. “Credit goes to the five players that put their hand up to compete in the bowl-out because it is a tense situation and although we had 7 or 8 players that would have been well capable of hitting, thankfully Alan (Whitcroft) and Harry (Doyle) did the business when it mattered. We have aspirations for a decent run in the Junior Cup so for it to end in the first round in a virtual lottery would have been unfortunate.”
21st May 2011
🏏 Roundup
Once again the weather was in the only winner of the day as it cancelled all games that were scheduled. After overnight and early morning persistent rain, both the Firsts and Seconds had to call their league and cup fixtures off respectively. The Thirds on the other hand were handed a win and progress to the next round of the Minor Qualifying Cup after CSNI V's phoning on the Friday night, unable to field a team.
14th May 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Clogher
Armagh 1st XI were again left kicking their heels on Saturday as their Junior Cup tie at Clogher was postponed on Friday afternoon due to the persistent heavy rain at the County Tyrone venue, meaning that the city side will face a re-arranged game at the same venue this Sunday, and could potentially face the dreaded “bowl-out” if the ground is still unplayable. Armagh captain Gareth McCarter admitted that “the rain has given us a nightmare start to the season with BISC being abandoned and now Clogher being postponed. Weekends with Saturday and Sunday fixtures are tough on the players but we will just have to get on with it as well as we can. Naturally we would rather not have to decide a Junior Cup tie with a bowl-out, but I guess we will have to practice it to get our best 5 bowlers.”
Before the Junior Cup tie on Sunday, Armagh have their first home league game of the season on Saturday when they face Drumaness, who coincidentally would also be the opponents in the next round of the Junior Cup if Armagh can progress. Armagh would be keen to get another league win under their belts and Saturday’s fixture begins at 1pm.
14th May 2011
🏏 3rd XI REPORT
3rd XI v Laurelvale
Armagh Thirds continued their 2011 campaign with a home fixture with Laurelvale IIIs on The Mall last Saturday. The match was reduced to 25 overs due to the inclement weather, Armagh skipper Keith Wilson won the toss in overcast conditions and had no hesitation in batting on a firm Mall wicket for early May despite the persistent squalid showers. Once again Armagh’s top order batsmen started in quick fashion as Laurelvale’s bowlers struggled early on. However some poor shot selection by the hosts top order batsmen reduced Armagh to 41-3 after 8 as David Spratt, Adam Breakey and Stuart Lester, making a welcome return, were all back in the pavilion earlier than expected. This brought Simon Cardwell and Keith Wilson together as their partnership of 52 was to be the highest in the game. Unfortunately both were dismissed in the final overs for 29 and 28 respectively as the “Vale” bowlers hit back. The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Mark Williamson as his cameo of 24 not out, including one towering 6 gave Armagh a decent total to defend finishing on 138 for 7.
In reply the visitors started patiently as skipper Colin Stewart looked to be in fine touch. Ben Gardiner yet again proved the pick of Armagh’s attack removing McClelland and Thornbury to give Armagh early hope, David Nicholson taking a fine catch to dismiss the former. Stewart however was to prove a severe thorn in Armagh’s side as he passed 50 with ease in a virtual one man batting display. Keith Wilson and Savio Sardinhia fought back for Armagh claiming a wicket each as Armagh suddenly looked favourites again, a further 2 wickets by Adam Breakey looked to virtually put the tie beyond Laurelvale. As the last over began the visitors required 15 to win and Colin Stewart who had batted with dogged determination sealed victory for the “Vale” with 3 towering sixes to leave Armagh shell-shocked. It was without doubt a masterful batting display by Stewart who engineered an unlikely victory in finishing 90 not out. Armagh’s fielding was simply not good enough as several chances were dropped as Laurelvale quite rightly took full advantage.
ARMAGH III 138-7 (S.Cardwell 29, K.Wilson 28, M.Williamson 24no, D.Gillespie 4-24)
LAURELVALE III 142-6 (C.Stewart 90no, M.Thornbury 15, B. Gardiner 2-28, A. Breakey 2-28)
14th May 2011
🏏 Roundup
The Firsts 1st Round Junior Cup fixture was an early victim of the weather, having been called off on Friday afternoon after persistent rain at Clogher was all too much their ground. The match has now been rearranged for Sunday 22nd May 2011, were the match will get a result no matter what, even if it means by the dreaded "bowl out".
The Seconds had a short trip to Millpark were they came away victorious in a low scoring affair. Armagh batted first and in their 40 overs accumulated 173 for 8. Harry Boyd top scored with 38 and a mention must go to Seamus Crowe playing his first game back in two years who scored 32.
In reply Millpark could only muster 160-6 off their 40 overs with some tight bowling from everyone. The pick of the bowlers being Paul McCord 3 for 24 and Duncan Steed 2 for 24.
Armagh Thirds lost with one ball to spare in a close encounter against local rivals Laurelvale. Laurelvale won by 4 wickets. Report to follow.
7th May 2011
🏏 3rd XI REPORT
3rd XI v Holywood
Armagh Thirds kicked off their 2011 campaign with a home encounter with Holywood III on The Mall last Saturday. It was a case for skipper Keith Wilson to welcome back a few “aul hands” to the fold as Armagh, for the first time in over a quarter of a century, have dropped from four to three teams. Simon Cardwell and Simon Courtney were hoping to make more regular appearances, Mark Williamson again coming out of retirement, but the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for club stalwart Arnold Courtney who just over 8 months ago underwent major surgery and few in their wildest dreams could have believed that the man who has played in the last 6 decades would be turning out in the first match of the new season.
Holywood won the toss in pleasant conditions and had no hesitation in batting on a firm Mall wicket for early May. Simon Cardwell quickly removed skipper Maxwell thanks to a sharp Ben Gardiner catch, whilst at the other end Savio Sardinhia outfoxed Harry Maxwell thanks to an excellent catch by Arnold Courtney at mid off. Armagh’s bowlers stuck to their task resolutely as wickets fell at regular intervals, Cardwell taking a brace in one over during his second spell courtesy of 2 catches by wicket keeper Breakey. Arnold Courtney continued his remarkable comeback taking 2 wickets whilst spinners Ben Gardiner and Keith Wilson bowled economically from the pavilion end without much luck. The game, however looked to drift away from Armagh in the latter overs as former firsts captain and Ireland international Michael Shannon plundered a quick 48 not out as Holywood amassed 165-8 in their allotted 30 overs.
Armagh’s reply started poorly losing Breakey early on. David Spratt and Cardwell however regrouped putting on 72 for the second wicket before the former was bowled by Shannon for an excellent 34. Armagh continued to stutter as the innocuous Johnston removed Sardinhia and Davy Nicholson in one over but Armagh remained favourites at 102-4 in only 15 overs. Another double wicket loss for Armagh was to prove near fatal as Cardwell, having done all the hard work, fell for a well crafted 36 and Simon Courtney was caught and bowled gifting Ken Nicholl 2 wickets in his first over. At 108 for 6 Armagh were on the ropes and also reduced to 10 men. Cool and calm heads were the order of the day and who better to join Keith Wilson at the crease other than Mark Williamson as the big man plundered a few lusty blows to take Armagh close to the finish line. With the job near complete Williamson was caught and bowled for 17 to opening bowler Michael Walker, this brought Arnold Courtney to the crease who was to complete a fairytale of comebacks tucking Maxwell of his legs for four to secure a 3 wicket victory and send the crowd into raptures after Wilson had kept his head to play a supporting patient role in his 26 not out. Wilson described the win as “ One of the finest savouring moments to be seen on the Mall for many seasons giving the emotions of the game as Armagh sealed a famous win with over 3 overs to spare.”
HOLYWOOD III 165-8 ( M.Shannon 48no, M.Walker 31, S.Cardwell 3/20, A.Courtney 2/50, D.Spratt 1/6, B. Gardiner 1/18, S.Sardinhia 1/35)
ARMAGH III 166-7 (S.Cardwell 36, D.Spratt 34, K.Wilson 26no, M.Williamson 17)
7th May 2011
🏏 Roundup
The Firsts game at Mallusk unfortunately got hit by the weather and was abandoned after 41 overs with Armagh on 185-5. Matthew Steenson was on 55 not out when the weather closed in and the umpires called it a day.
A minute down the road at BRA Playing Fields the Seconds had a high scoring game against Academy. With a weaken team they knew it was going to be tough. With Academy hitting a massive 364-2, it didn't look good at the tea interval. Paul Scowcroft although thought differently and hit 145 before being caught on the boundary attempting another maximum. Aaron "Arnie" Wright, who is only 13 years of age, hit his first club half century on his way to 70. Armagh although fell agonisingly short being all out for 299. A great effort from a young team.
The Thirds kicked started their season with a win over a strong Holywood side that boosted on less than 3 ex First Eleven players last year. Report to follow.
30th April 2011
🏏 1st XI REPORT
1st XI v Portadown
Armagh got their Ulster Bank Division One Section 2 campaign off to a great start with a comfortable 67 run victory against their neighbours Portadown at a sun-drenched but wind-swept Chambers Park. With a few senior regulars unavailable for the league opener, Armagh welcomed back Andrew Walbran after a lengthy absence and gave a debut to young William Dougan. Portadown won the toss and surprisingly invited Armagh to bat on a track that had plenty of grass left on it.
Armagh openers Philip Doyle and Michael Villiers started confidently until the former was bowled out by a decent delivery from Edgar. Colin Russell joined Villiers in the middle and the two rebuilt steadily and scored fluently, both finding the boundary regularly in a partnership worth 67. Michael was unfortunate that his first false shot got him out, edging though to the keeper who caught well to end his innings on a bright 36 that contained 8 boundaries. Dean Lester batting at four looked in decent touch and with Russell looking imperious Armagh were looking good for a big score. Portadown’s bowling improved and the 3rd wicket pair became slightly bogged down and Lester’s frustration got the better of him, lofting a high catch to depart for 28 after a stand of 79. Armagh had a mini wobble of losing 3 wickets for 12 runs, the second being Russell who found a leading edge and was well caught at cover for a well played 83. Russell struck 14 boundaries and one mighty “six” in a fabulous start to the season for Armagh’s leading batsman. Michael Hoey departed quickly without scoring and at 174-5; Armagh looked at risk of not making the most of their strong start. They needn’t have worried though as Harry Doyle and Mark Stinson combined in another fine partnership to take Armagh to the end of 50 overs without any further loss. The pair put on 85 in good time with Doyle taking the lead role, striking 8 boundaries and a quite superb “six” over cover in the final over as he scored his first ever senior half-century to finish unbeaten on 58. Stinson offered decent support with an unbeaten 21 and Armagh’s final score of 259-5 was a fairly formidable one.
Portadown’s response had a horror start as they were quickly reduced to 16-3. Mark Stinson removed Haddock courtesy of a fine catch by Harry Boyd at point. Michael Hoey was successful twice in quick succession when be bowled P.Edgar than had R.Whitfield caught by Stinson. Armagh could have been forgiven for expecting a formality but they were much mistaken as D.Whitfield and P.Edgar launched a ferocious assault on the Armagh bowlers, admittedly riding their luck and taking advantage of some quite shoddy fielding. Edgar was certainly the aggressor and Armagh were glad to see the back of him when he was caught at cover by Russell off the bowling of Harry Boyd for 48. Former Armagh player Roshan Jose looked keen to attack but after a few big blows he edged Harry Doyle through to McCarter. Whitfield carried on his anchor role and edged to a fortunate but well-deserved half-century with some runs off Boyd. The young spinner would have the final say though, bowling Whitfield for 51 with a delivery that stayed low.
Armagh introduced Andrew Walbran into the attack hoping that his medium pacers could help finish the job and they weren’t disappointed as his disciplined bowling was too much for the Portadown tail-enders, with two more catches for McCarter and two more being clean-bowled. Portadown’s resistance ended with the score of 192 all out, Walbran leading the way with strong figures of 4-22 in his seven overs.
Armagh captain Gareth McCarter commented that he was content to get a win on the opening day against their local rivals. “The first game of the season is all about getting a win and we did that on the back of a great batting display, so credit to Colin Russell and Harry Doyle on their half centuries with good support from Michael Villiers, Dean Lester and Mark Stinson. We have plenty to work on in the field and with the ball, but hopefully that can improve on a weekly basis.”
Cricket Pages:
HOME & Latest | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015| 2014 | 2013 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 1984 | 1964 | History | Club Info
