Larne v Carrick - Saturday 22nd May 2004 |
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On Saturday 22nd May, Larne Second XI, sponsored by The Eagle Bar, continued their 100% start to the season as they defeated Carrick II by 39 runs in League Division 2 Section 2. On another glorious afternoon for cricket, Larne's skipper was delighted to win the toss and get the opportunity to bat first on a decent wicket and fast outfield. Opening batsman Neil Hodge and Murad Shah, quickly vindicated the decision as they moved easily into their stride against both Carrick bowlers, and an opening stand of 70 off only 14 overs created the platform for a large total. Murad played some magnificent drives in his 33 while Hodge played his best innings for the club before he tired and was bowled for a well constructed 68. An unusually tentative Alan McKee and Kenny McKinley didn't cash in on the favourable conditions and it was Johnny Baxter who played the next meaningful innings with a solid 27, as Larne pushed over the 150 mark with wickets in hand and plenty of overs remaining. As against Armagh this was the ideal situation for Higginson and Stanton, and their mixture of quick singles and clean striking had Carrick in all sorts of trouble as they struggled to bowl consistently and were unsure whether to protect the boundaries or squeeze the infield. Higginson was out for 31 with only 5 overs left and Larne already well over 200. However there was to be no rest bite for Carrick as the clean hitting Jonathan King was next man to the crease. King immediately joined in the carnage with a quick fire 24 no and with Stanton's 27, Larne posted a massive 268 for 7 after their 50 overs. Larne were well aware that the conditions strongly favoured the batsman, however they were confident that if they could bowl a good line and length it would be a formidable target for Carrick to chase. However, Carrick's opening pair batted sensibly against the new ball and after surviving a couple of chances they began to take the attack back to Larne. There was no margin for error on a slow pitch and with McFarland putting every loose ball to the boundary, at the drinks break Carrick were well in the game on 111 for 1. Hegarty had made the only breakthrough in the first 25 overs and on resuming he picked up another 2 wickets with fine catches from Stanton and Hodge, however the dangerous McFarland was still there and still attacking. At this stage, opening bowler, McIlhenny was re-introduced to the attack and with his second ball he made the breakthrough Larne had been looking for, as his slower off-spinner bowled McFarland for 87. Larne were now confident of victory and although Carrick's younger players batted sensibly, McKinley and King bowled an excellent line and length through to the finish to prevent the run chase becoming a threat. McKinley finished with 3 for 34, while King and McIlhenny were unlucky to take only one wicket a piece with good bowling in difficult conditions. Next week Larne host Ballymena in another derby clash. Scorecard:- |
