Larne v Cooke Collegians - Saturday 21st August 2004 |
On Saturday Larne IVs lost to Cooke Collegians in a game played at the Grammar School. The game was notably for the appearance of Joanne McKinley in the team, as she became the first female to represent the club at senior level. Joanne has had a fantastic season both at representative level and for the local under-15's, but she was unable to prevent the visitors recording a three-wicket win. She did produce a fine piece of fielding to run out one of the batsmen, but by that time Larne had sunk to their lowest score of the season, just 99 all out. The left-handers Lyle and Smith had made batting look easy as they recorded a fifty partnership, but Larne lost four wickets in three overs as they both threw their wickets away. This was irresponsible batting from the experienced pair, and it effectively cost Larne the match as Larne slumped from 70-3 to 99 all out. Andy Semple took three quick wickets as Cooke began their reply, whilst Eddie Wilson bowled steadily and took a stunning catch at mid-wicket to give Larne a chance at victory. However, a gritty eighth wicket unbroken partnership of 45 between the visitors' two experienced left-handers won them the match. Lyle conceded just six runs off his eight overs, whilst the young fast-bowling pair of Andrew McGarrel and David McIlwaine both grabbed a wicket each during their hostile spells. One batsman was hospitalised by a nasty delivery from McGarrel which reared into his unprotected face via a thin edge, and to add insult to his considerable injury the ball was caught on the leg-side to leave him concussed and dismissed by the same ball. There was a considerable amount of blood from the injury, and the club hopes Mr. McCulla makes a full and speedy recovery. Larne eventual lost by three wickets, leaving Cooke Collegians the only side to have beaten them twice this season. It also laid to rest their lingering hopes of a victory in the league. This match was kindly sponsored by the Curran Court.
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