On Saturday 5 May Larne Second XI, sponsored by The Curran Court, started their League campaign with a 10 wicket defeat at Derriaghy.

Larne’s skipper won the toss and with a rock hard pitch and the sun shining, decided to bat. Unfortunately the innings got off to the worst possible start, when off the 5th delivery of the day, John Higginson mis-timed an attempted pull and was caught at mid-on. Chris Keenan and Alan Mckee then repaired the damage with an excellent stand of 45. Keenan was rock solid with the more flamboyant McKee, riding his luck, but also playing some glorious drives, the highlight of which was a six which slammed into the protective netting. The change bowling, especially the introduction of the Derriaghy skipper, Jake Torrens, completely changed the match.

Keenan was tied down by Torrens and holed out at long on off the off-spinner at the other end. The 2 youngsters in the Larne side, Cameron Rhuys and Stewart McIlwaine were then given an opportunity at 4 and 5 but Torrens proved too good and both were quickly removed. A bizarre run-out where McKee dropped his bat, added to the problems and when Rab McClean got a beauty from Torrens, Larne were in desperate trouble at 60 for 6 at the drinks break. Ken McKinley looked in good touch before a lapse in concentration saw him caught at short mid-off. Larne’s skipper, Gary Moore, struggled for any timing but managed to hang around for a number of overs before middling a cut straight to backward point. Darren Stanton and Chris Erdis both added some runs before they followed the others back to the pavilion to leave Derriaghy a total of 99 for victory.

Larne knew they needed early wickets and Paul Ramsay bowled a beautiful spell with the new ball where he repeatedly beat the bat without any tangible reward. Chris Erdis also looked in good form with the ball and Ken McKinley showed that he still has the ability to trouble the batsmen for another season. Cameron Rhuys also displayed enough potential in his 2 overs to show that he will be an asset for the Seconds this season. A couple of awkward catches that were put down just added to Larne’s feelings that it wasn’t to be their day and Derriaghy cruised home with several overs to spare.