On Sunday 6 July, Larne Second XI, sponsored by The Kiln, defeated Saintfield. The winning total a massive 239 runs.

Larne won the toss and on another excellent wicket decided to bat. Larne’s opening batsmen Neil and Dean Hodge put on over 100 runs in only 19 overs. Dean was the more fluent early on and scored his second 50 of the season, before driving the ball straight to mid-off, to bring the in-form McKee to the crease. As with the previous day McKee immediately found his timing and began to score freely with the younger Hodge content to play second fiddle and rotate the strike.

After blasting the slow bowlers out of the attack it was a surprise when McKee was dismissed for 35, another big score had looked inevitable. Still no respite was possible for the dispirited Saintfied team as Hodge now upped the scoring and passed the half century mark in only his second innings for the Seconds.

Brian Spence at the other end had now joined in the run spree as well with clever placement and good running between the wickets. A tiring Hodge was eventually out for a well constructed 63.
With the score already over 200 and 13 overs still remaining Johnny Baxter came in and played probably the innings of the day.

Striking the ball sweetly and with great authority he proceeded to his maiden 50 for the Seconds. The highlight being a magnificent 6 over long on. Brian Spence also completed his first 50 for the Seconds and generously retired to allow David Tweed to score a quick fire 26 at the end of the innings for a massive aggregate of 351.

Sainfield never made any attempt to chase the score when it was their turn to bat, deciding that they would merely occupy the crease and get some batting practice. Excellent opening spells by McEhenny – 3 wickets and McDonald – 2 wickets, threatened to get things over quickly, however the remaining batsmen proved difficult to dislodge.

Change bowlers, Service, Hodge and Baxter all bowled well but wickets fell slowly and Sainfield made it to the last over before being dismissed for 119.