Cricket: North West Union to ask Newbuildings CC questions

John Gillespie scored 51 in Strabane II's defeat to Eglinton II's in the Qualifying One Cup tie.

The umpires stepped in after just four overs and called the contest off due to the pitch being “too dangerous”.

Two batsmen were struck early on from deliveries that spat off the surface and the umpires acted swiftly to ensure the players’ safety.

Newbuildings were 8-2 at that stage and to their credit supported the officials throughout but there is likely to be follow-up action from the North West Union this week as they will now have a duty to look at any long-term issues.

The Waterside men secured a two-year lease at the Foyle College ground at the end of 2014 as they were unable to take their place in the senior ranks on a ground-sharing basis.

It is unclear at present how close Newbuildings are to starting work on their own ground but the Union would probably have been looking to meet with club representatives at the end of this season anyway as they would require assurances beyond 2016 by that point.

Meanwhile Scott Adair led Eglinton Seconds into the Qualifying One Cup Final with a match winning 72 against Strabane II’s at the weekend.

Adair struck eight fours and two sixes as Eglinton chased 177 to win by five wickets in a game they controlled from the outset.

Andy Millar set the tone for the pursuit of the target by smashing 2 sixes and 2 fours in an entertaining cameo, with Alex Davidson (24), Graeme Lamrock (24) and Jack Martin (13*) all chipping in.

Rhys Logue (2-49) was the most successful of the Tyrone’s side attack, while veteran Paul McNamee who has re-invented himself as a wily off-spinner claimed one for 37.

The Strabane total of 177 was based around half centuries from opener Tony Gallagher (60) and the experienced John Gillespie (51*).

Opener Gallagher struck six boundaries as he top scored, while Gillespie hit five fours as he shepherded the tail well to give his side a chance.

Apart from those two however the Strabane bats men failed to deliver in the semi-final stage.

Jack Martin and Richard Keys picked up three wickets apiece in a disciplined Eglinton bowling display, while Josh Martin (2-23) and Scott Adair (2-41) also bowled very well.

Eglinton will face the winners of Donemana II versus Bready II, which fell victim to the weather on Saturday - the two innings final is scheduled to start at Donemana on Friday August 7.