Winning start for ladies

Day one consisted of an 8-a-side, 20 over competition held at North Down Cricket Club. First up for Lurgan was a match against CSNI and Lurgan put on a total of 81 all out. Hannah Grieve and Julie Morrow got Lurgan off to a good start and were scoring steadily in the first few overs taking Lurgan’s score well over 40 before first Hannah was bowled and then Julie was given out lbw. The remaining players worked hard and contributed to the final total, with Zoe Jackson placing her shots well. Unfortunately Vicky Gardiner sustained an injury and was unable to continue. Julie Morrow top scored with 24.

Lurgan’s bowlers Samantha Bann, Hannah Grieve, Chloe Neville and Alex Craig worked hard to contain CSNI to less than 30 runs in their first 12 overs. CSNI came back strongly and needed only 11 runs off their last two overs. However, accurate bowling from Hannah and Samantha, backed up by tight fielding ensured CSNI were left 4 runs short after their 20 overs and Lurgan claimed victory. Samantha Bann (2), Chloe Neville (2) and Alex Craig (1) were the wicket takers.

In the second match Lurgan were up against a strong North Down team. Opting to bat first North Down posted a high score of 98 in their 20 overs. Despite some good accurate bowling and tight fielding Lurgan only managed to take 3 wickets, Lurgan knew they had to get off to a good start if they were to reach the target of 99. Openers Hannah Grieve and Julie Morrow did just that, posting over 70 runs in the first 6 overs, with Julie retiring on 35 and Hannah bowled out for 34. Remaining patient Samantha Bann and Chloe Neville picked their shots and guided Lurgan to victory in the 13th over with no further loss of wicket.

Lurgan are now looking forward to Day 2 of the league, with a match against Waringstown and the play-offs to come.