FOURTHS BEATEN BY MUCKAMORE

Larne Cricket Club Fourth eleven, sponsored by the Curran Court Hotel, travelled to Muckamore last Saturday to take on the local club’s Thirds. The Fourth eleven is playing in NCU Division 3 Section 2 and, as this is the same league as the Third eleven, the young, and relatively inexperienced side, knew this match would be a significant challenge.

Fourth eleven captain, Esler Burke, lost the toss and his side was put into bat with his opposite number, Andrew Shields, electing to field. The captain opened the batting with Ryan Glenholmes, this pair putting on a partnership of 18 before Burke was caught behind off Dominic Rowan. Although it was a fine nick to the wicket-keeper, the ever professional and sporting Burke ‘walked’ without having to be given out by his own team-mate who was umpiring at the other end. This set an excellent example to his young charges.

Glenholmes was in good form and had quickly moved his score to 21 before being bowled, another victim of the impressive Rowan. Steve Drew, making his first appearance of the season, didn’t last long when he was unluckily adjudged lbw to Niall McCullough without scoring. After this wicket fell, both teams had to leave the field and take shelter as a torrential downpour left the pitch underwater. Fortunately the warm air and quick drainage meant that the match could resume after half an hour.

The resumption of play brought a father and son partnership to the wicket with John and Richard Hood batting at 4 and 5 respectively. This pair put on a partnership of 17 to move the score to 43 before Richard Hood was also, unluckily, adjudged lbw for 6 off Stevenson. Hood senior then tried to bat the overs scoring slowly but trying to preserve his wicket. He lost partners: Sam McIlwaine, who made an excellent 9; debutants Luke Brownlee for 4; and the unlucky Zak Weatherhead without scoring.

The latter two were victims of off-spinner, Keith Falls who was unlucky not to take a hat-trick. With the score on 79 Hood was eventually out after being caught at mid-wicket for 27 off McCullough, who had bowled his spell with a very consistent line and length. A third debutant Neil Campbell scored 5; David Hayes also scored 5 leaving the fourth Larne debutant, Gary Jamison, the last man out without scoring. The young Larne side had taken their score to 91, batting for just over 37 of their allotted 40 overs, before being all out.

After the tea interval Muckamore openers, Shields and Cathcart, set about chasing down the Larne total. Ryan Glenholmes and David Hayes opened the Larne attack with the former finding a very consistent line and length. Unfortunately a groin strain hampered his efforts and he had to finish his spell after 5 overs. Richard Hood replaced Glenholmes and struck in his first over when he bowled Cathcart with the score on 34.

Esler Burke replaced Hayes and he took the second wicket when the Muckamore captain was caught by Richard Hood at square leg. With just 20 needed for victory, Burke took the opportunity to give many of his young charges a bowl. Unfortunately no more wickets fell and, with just 22 overs bowled, the winning runs were scored when Campbell and Bryant saw the home team over the line.

RESULT – Larne IV’s lost to Muckamore III’s by 8 wickets.