A weekend of fine weather was matched by Larne’s results as the Curran Court sponsored team notched up 2 victories in Section 2 of the Ulster Bank League.

The first was against Dunmurry on Saturday when Larne avenged last Sunday’s defeat – the margin of victory being 57 runs. Jonathan Craig won the toss who had no hesitation in batting first, and Larne got off to a positive start as openers Gareth Alexander & Steven Hamilton put on 53 for the 1st wicket in 15 overs. Hamilton in particular was in good form as a beautiful cover drive was followed by 2 flicks over square leg, and Alexander too was beginning to look in control before both were dismissed LBW in quick succession.

There followed a period of consolidation as Conrad Du Toit and Keith Aiston survived an excellent spell by Charlie McCrum, but after the drinks break the pair began to push on aiming for a total of 200. Du Toit was just beginning to attack and launched a massive 6 over long on before he was bowled for 42, while Aiston was again playing the anchor role to perfection and only perished for 43 in the search for quick runs. David Tweed smashed a quick fire 23 and Craig hit a few lusty blows but a late collapse saw Larne dismissed for 195.

Larne knew that if they could prevent easy runs at the start of the innings, then the pressure would build on the batsmen, and this was achieved by opening bowlers Craig and Johnny McElhinney. Craig was rewarded when he trapped Paul McCrum LBW while McElhinney bowled and impeccable line and length and was unlucky to remain wicketless from 7 overs which conceded just 7 runs.

They were replaced by spinners Gareth Gaw and Du Toit, both of whom kept up the pressure as the run rate began to climb. The pressure soon told on Irvine when Gaw had him stumped by Trevor Dempsey and when Charlie McCrum was bowled by Du Toit Dunmurry were struggling on 54-3 off 28 overs. The Connolly brothers briefly threatened a comeback but when they were dismissed by McElhinney and Aiston the game was all but won.

Aiston was back bowling his leg breaks and showed his class as he ripped through the tail to finish with 5 wickets which included 2 catches by Craig and 1 by McElhinney. Du Toit claimed the other wicket as Dunmurry were dismissed for 138.

The match ball was kindly sponsored by Leonard Swan & Sons Glaziers.

Scorecard:

Larne 195 (K Aiston 43, C du Toit 42, P McCrum 5-43, C McCrum 3-10)

Dunmurry 138 (K Aiston 5-42)

Larne won by 57 runs