Derriaghy stay top of the league after win over Bangor

Craig Lewis bowling for Derriaghy US1529-503cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

This was also their ninth league victory in a row and with just seven games remaining puts them as hot favourites for promotion.

They have now won at least two games more than any of their nearest challengers.

At Upritchard Park on Saturday the home side batted first and made 188 all out in the 48 overs they faced. The wickets were shared around with Peter Bell returning figures of 2 for 41, while Kaushik Aphale and Wayne Hughes also collected 2 for 13 and 31 respectfully.

There were also several fine pieces of fielding which resulted in no less than 3 batsmen being run out.

The Queensway side’s successful run chase was based around the dependable Kaushik Aphale who hit a superb 92 not out. He shared in several useful partnerships with Adam Jamison (28) and Andrew Kenny (19) building the necessary platform to see his team home with 20 balls to spare.

The club now have 2 games at home this weekend and victories over Lurgan on Saturday and Muckamore on Sunday would put them within touching distance of the league title. Both games are due to get underway at 11am

The club Second XI also recorded a much needed league win over Lurgan at home. Batting first Derriaghy reached 205 for 9 in their allotted overs with Ryan Stewart hitting a quick fire 48 while Colin Crookshanks held the middle and lower order together with 33 not out.

All this came after openers Dean Ferris (19) and Stuart Hegarty (20) had got their side of to a blistering start before wickets fell cheaply and they slumped to 86 for 6.

S Hughes, K Beckett, T Moorhead and S Hegarty all picked up two apiece as Lurgan were bowled out for 122.

The Seconds face Lurgan again on Saturday this time at Pollock Park with a noon start.

Meanwhile their Intermediate Cup semi final tie was postponed on Sunday and is now due to be decided in a 20 over contest on Thursday – if no play is possible then it’s the dreaded bowl out to decide who plays CIYMS in the final on 15 August.

The Third XI ensured it was a clean sweep for the club on Saturday as they made it eight wins out of nine and all but guaranteed promotion to Junior league 5.

They overcame Ballymena quite easily by 103 runs at Fullerton Park.