Ards v Larne - Saturday 8th May 2004 |
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On Saturday 8 th May, Larne Second XI, sponsored by The Kiln, beat Ards II by 9 wickets in the first round of the Intermediate Cup. With a 100% record at the start of their League campaign, Larne travelled to Section 3 team Ards, in confident mood for this first round clash. Ards won the toss and decided to bat, but were under severe pressure as Larne's opening attack, operating at its full potential for the first time this season, quickly reduced them to 17 for 4. The combination of genuine pace from Johnny McIlhenny and superb swing bowling from Eddie Hunter offers opening batsmen a torrid time for the rest of the season if they can maintain this form. Rab McClean followed up with a wicket off his first ball, as Darren Stanton tried to tie down the other end with his off spinners. However it was Paddy Heggarty who stole the bowling honours with an immaculate display of medium pace bowling. In 5.3 overs, Heggarty removed the last 5 batsmen, conceding only 9 runs in the process. A poor Ards performance saw them all out for 61. On a miserable afternoon for cricket, Larne didn't want to be out in the middle for any longer than necessary, and hammered the winning runs in less than 10 overs. A confident Neil Hodge finished on 27no with Ryan Hamill undefeated on 14. This week the Seconds travel to Armagh for another League fixture. This should be a more realistic examination of their potential before the upcoming derby games against Carrick and Ballymena. Ards 61 all out ( E. Hunter 3-15, P. Hegarty 5-9) |
