Carrick v Larne - Sunday 1st August 2004 |
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On Sunday 1st August, Larne Second XI, sponsored by Larne Harbour Co., beat Carrick II by 8 wickets in League Division 2 Section 2. After having a free Saturday on one of the best days of the summer, Larne were glad to see that the sun was still shining as they travelled the short distance to Carrick, to renew rivalries with the team they had recently beaten in the semi-final of the Intermediate Cup. As usual Larne lost the toss and it was no surprise that Carrick opted to bat first on what looked like a superb pitch. As in the Cup semi-final Larne’s opening bowlers were Stephen McDonald and Eddie Hunter and both immediately settled into an excellent line and length with McDonald generating real pace. Unfortunately McDonalds’s pace proved too much for the Skipper at backward point as he put down an early chance off John Kane, however, Larne only had to wait another over for the first breakthrough when a mix-up saw the Carrick Skipper run-out for 3. The dangerous Hamilton was the next man in but McDonald took a simple caught and bowled to send him back to the pavilion without scoring. With Larne now right on top Hunter removed the next two batsmen to leave Carrick reeling on 37 for 4. Paul Ramsay replaced McDonald and within 2 overs he produced the highlight of the day with a magical caught and bowled, diving to his right in the middle of his follow through, to dismiss a dis-believing John Kane for 5. Next man into the attack was off-spinner Johnnie Baxter and after conceding an early 4 he clean bowled the Carrick no. 6 and no. 7. Ramsay then struck again from the other end and at this stage Carrick were on 56 for 8 and 100 looked well out of reach. When Dean Hodge had the penultimate Carrick batsman well caught by Darren Stanton Larne were keen to wrap up the innings as quickly as possible. The experienced Gordon Creighton and Vinnie Sharma, however had other ideas and with 25 overs left they signalled their intention to simply occupy the crease as they stone –walled ball after ball until a few singles and the odd boundary started to come. Several bowlers tried to break the partnership but the score crept up to 108 and it was Ryan Hamill who finally removed Creighton with a good catch at point by Dean Hodge. Although a very small total Larne didn’t want Carrick to get into the match so the Larne opener’s David Tweed and Eddy Hunter were instructed to see off the new ball with as few alarms as possible. An opening stand of 30 had Larne well on their way with Tweed just starting to look very dangerous when he edged the ball to the wicket-keeper. The in-form McKee came to the crease and looked solid from the start as he opted to let the opening attack bowl itself out. Unfortunately young Hunter lost his patience and carved a wide ball to backward point but he had done the job requested, with one of the openers already out of the attack and the other with only 3 overs left. With next weeks final in mind Larne shuffled the batting order to allow Daryl Service to bat 4 and it was a good test as Carrick tried to force another breakthrough which would have given them renewed hope. Fortunately Service responded with good technique and judgement as he rotated the strike allowing McKee to play his more expansive game as the change bowlers were introduced. Both players never looked in trouble as Larne cruised home with 23 overs to spare and 8 wickets in hand. McKee finished the game with a 6 for an excellent 43 not out. Service was undefeated on 15. Next week Larne travel to North Down to play Laurelvale in the final of the Intermediate Cup. Scorecard:- |
