2nd XI Match Reports

At last Waringstown seconds have been able to complete a 50 over game free from rain interruptions. Having last week inflicted a 6 wicket defeat over local rivals Lurgan in a 20 over game, they continued their winning way with a 66 run victory over Instonians at Shaws Bridge on Saturday.

Batting first Waringstown scored 289 for 7 in their 50 overs. This was thanks largely to a solid all round batting display. Ian Morrison with 71 from 50 balls was the main contributor, he shared a partnership of 140 with Steven Allen who made a patient 59. With scores of 44 from Geoff Heyburn, 39 from Kris Lyness and 23not out from Simon Stokes down the order Waringstown were confident they had a good score to defend.

With the bowlers being backed up in the field with a good fielding display, two wickets apiece from Kris Lyness and Jason Stokes, as well as a good spell from Nathan Heyburn who claimed 1 wicket, ensured the victory.

Waringstown completed a comfortable victory over Senior Section 3 side PSNI at The Lawn on Saturday. The game had a number of rain interruptions, however this didn’t stop Waringstown ripping through the PSNI batting, only two batsmen managing double figures. Jonny Nation, 5-27 and Kris Lyness, 2-9 were the pick of the bowlers in what was a sound fielding display. A fairly straight forward run chase followed. Aaron Kennedy, 20 and Paddy Currie, 24 opened with a stand of 44, with Adam Dennison, 13no and Ian Morrison, 21no completing the 8 wicket victory in only 15 overs.

The Waringstown seconds 2011 season got off to a great start, with convincing wins at home against Carrick by 255 runs on Saturday and a strong Lurgan team by 6 wickets at Pollock Park on Bank Holiday Monday. Saturdays result was largely down to a great batting display by David Dawson 140 and Alan Wait 103 not out, along with a solid 40 from Stephen Allen helped the team to 343-3 in their 50 overs. The game was more or less over by the 15 over stage of the Carrick innings, with Jonny Nation 4-21, helped by Jason Stokes 3-14 and Kris Lyness 2-18 chipping in with good spells, restricting Carrick to 88 all out.

Mondays game was a different challenge altogether. Batting first Lurgan got off to a good start with 60 coming off the first 10 overs. It looked at one stage that Waringstown were looking at a target close to 300. However, Alan Harrison 2-24 and tight spell’s from Jonny Nation and Kris Lyness restricted Lurgan to 242-5 in their 50 overs. Given the conditions, which were batting friendly, Waringstown were confident in their run chase. It needed a couple of batsmen to have a good day. So it was to be, helped by 43 extras, Stephen Allen 25, David Dawson with a great knock of 82, batting with great maturity following his score on Saturday and Ian Morrison 76, were the mainstays of the innings, guiding Waringstown to victory with Dawson and Morrison sharing a partnership of 149 the highlight of the day, reaching their target of 243 with only 4 wickets down and 2 overs to spare.

Last-ball heartbreak for Seconds at Wallace Park

WARINGSTOWN Seconds lost the Junior Cup final to Academy at Wallace Park for the second year at succession on Saturday, in the most heart-breaking fashion imaginable.

After a short delay and winning the toss, captain Geoff Heyburn put Academy in to bat on a wicket that contained a lot of dampness. Early wickets by Charley Crasborn and Jason Stokes should have given the team the incentive to carry on where they left off in previous weeks with the ball.

It wasn’t the case this though, as Academy’s batsmen rode their luck and made Waringstown pay for mistakes in the field. The only bowler to come out with any credit was Jonny Nation who claimed one for 26 from his 10 overs.

Set a total of 216 on a wicket that had dried out should still have been within Waringstown’s reach. A misunderstanding early in the innings sent Stevie Allen back with the score on just three.

Geoff Heyburn (32) and Ian Morrison (26) steadied things and, along with Keith Allen who showed great maturity with 54, brought Waringstown close.

At 199 for five with five overs to go, it should still have been Waringstown who were celebrating. However, Academy’s bowlers kept things tight, restricting Waringstown’s lower order.

Crasborn (20) and Matt Allen (14) tried to get the team over the finish line but it wasn’t to be. Needing five off the last over and three off the last ball to win with the last pair at the wicket was just too much and they lost by a single run.

Waringstown can again look back and think of things that they could have done better. However, it was another great achievement to get to the final and vital experience for the younger members of the team as they strive to improve their game.

All is not lost, there is always next year, with the remainder of this season still having a lot to offer as the team currently sits at the top of the league.

Seconds win in top of the table clash

Waringstown seconds warmed up for the Junior Cup final with a top of the table victory over Carrick on Sunday.

The 40-run winning margin was just reward for a disciplined all-round performance against the visitors who had a number of players down from their firsts, including a surprising appearance from the Australian first grade player Danny O’Shea, who is in Northern Ireland this summer to push his Irish credentials.
Batting first, a solid display from the top order against possibly one of the best attacks they have faced during the year, saw Waringstown reach 192. Steven Allen – 42 and Ian Morrison – 39 top scored, with Andrew Mitchell -22 and Alan Waite – 25, keeping the momentum going later in the innings.
Waringstown were confident that if they bowled as they have been doing most of the year that this would be a total that would be hard to beat. Charlie Crasborn 3-26 and Matt Allen 3-36 got things off to a good start and also at the end of the Carrick innings, however a rain interruption after 10 overs changed things for both teams. The delay meant the Carrick total was reduced to just 155 from 40 overs. Bowling in wet conditions and a wet ball however did not distract Waringstown’s bowlers. Backed by some great fielding, again, Jason Stokes – 3-24 and Alan Harrison 1-15 changed the direction of the innings with some tight bowling. Carrick’s batsmen could not cope with the pressure and were eventually all out for 115.
This victory sees Waringstown extend their lead at the top of the table and also gain some good momentum going into the important weekend fixture.

Allen and Waite help Seconds to league win

Waringstown Seconds enjoyed a comfortable six-wicket victory against Ballymena on Saturday at The Lawn.

The victory sees them maintain their challenge at the top of the league. Fielding first, a good all-round display by Waringstown restricted Ballymena to 152. Matt Allen with 3-29, was the pick of the bowlers, however a tight 10 overs apiece from Jason Stokes and Alan Harrison creating the pressure mid innings.

The run chase was fairly straightforward in comparison to a number of previous matches this year, and particularly the nail biter in the Junior Cup semi final of the previous week. Steven Allen with a patient 57 not out and Alan Waite (49) were the main contributors. The team comfortably passing the total with eight overs to spare. Waringstown’s next match on Sunday, sees them take on Carrick at The Lawn in an important top of the table clash.

Harrison and Nation’s last stand helps Seconds into final

WARINGSTOWN Seconds seem to delight in doing things the hard way. They are through to the Goldlbatt McGuigan Junior Cup final for the second successive year, but only after a remarkable one-wicket win over Dunmurry at The Lawn on Saturday. The villagers appeared to be cruising towards a routine victory when the Section Two club slumped to 103 all out in fine batting conditions. Dunmurry had been in a decent position on 70 for three, but once Alan Harrison bowled top scorer Mark Coburn for 47, they collapsed in spectacular fashion, losing their last seven wickets for 33 runs to finish 103 all out in just 34.2 overs. All the Waringstown bowlers got in on the act, with Jason Stokes claiming four for 35, Josh Hall taking two for 21 and Johnny Nation two for seven off seven overs. If Waringstown thought they were going to stroll to victory they were mistaken. Paddy Allen, promoted from the third eleven to open the batting, was dismissed for a duck and when Ian Morrison, the most consistent batsman this season, was run out without scoring, the alarm bells should have been ringing. However, the procession continued as Paddy Currie and David Dawson both went cheaply. Alan Waite, the veteran, briefly rallied with a patient 11, but when the eighth wicket fell, Waringstown were a long way from victory, and their hopes of making the final apparently in tatters. However, Stokes started the recovery, smashing four boundaries in a single over, and in partnership with Harrison, he started to claw back the deficit. But when Stokes was caught for 18, Waringstown were 74 for nine and 30 runs short of Dunmurry. Drawing on the inspiration of a famous last-wicket partnership against North Down earlier in the season, Harrison and Nation gradually reduced the target with a series of sharply taken singles. Dunmurry probably made a mistake in dropping back the field and reducing the pressure, but both players played with remarkable nerve, and it was all the more remarkable because Harrison had also been involved in that amazing stand against North Down. In the end the last-wicket pair added 30 runs and victory was achieved from the second ball of the 37^{th over}, prompting wild celebrations in the home camp. Nation was unbeaten on 12 and Harrison 11. Waringstown will meet Academy at Wallace Park on Saturday, August 7, a repeat of last year’s final which they lost narrowly. The poor nature of Waringstown’s batting, Nation and Harrison apart, was summed up by their superb showing the following day, on the same pitch, against Woodvale. Waringstown piled up 255 for five, with Dawson top scoring with an excellent 84. Keith Allen contributed 49 and Josh Hall 45 not out. Woodvale were dismissed for just 144 in reply, with Stokes the best bowler with three for 26.

Seconds through to semi after thriller at The Lawn

Waringstown seconds went one step further in their efforts to reach the final of the Goldblatt McGuigan Junior Cup, with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Woodvale at The Lawn on Saturday.

Fielding first Waringstown let Woodvale off the hook. Havind restricted them at 122 for nine, the Ballygomartin side ralled and went on to score 240 in their 50 overs.

On a good batting wicket, this was a par score, however Waringstown will feel it should have been a lot less. Pick of the bowlers was Jonny Nation with 4-38 ripping through the Woodvale middle order.

Some matches in previous weeks have seen Waringstown’s batting come up just short of what it is capable of. Not so on Saturday. A good, solid display had almost everyone contributing in what was a well paced innings. Ian Morrison again top scored with 50 and along with Josh Hall 40, continuing his good season, gave the innings the solid base needed. Alan Waite 45 and Charlie Crasborn 47 maintained the run rate just when it was needed and in the end Waringstown eased through with just one run needed in the last over.

This victory sees Waringstown drawn away against Senior League 2 side Dunmurry in the semi final.

Seconds record superb double victory

Two top class bowling and fielding displays was the highlight of a weekend double header for Waringstown Seconds, which saw them complete two victories over Lisburn and North Down.

On Saturday, batting first, Alan Waite (61), Josh Hall (44), Ian Morrison (42) and Charley Crasborn (38) were the main contributors in a solid, well paced batting display which seen the team reach 280 in the 50 overs.

Another aggressive opening spell from Matt Allen and Crasborn, supported by some superb fielding, left a strong Lisburn batting line-up under no illusions that they were up against it to reach the 281 needed to win. The introduction of Geoff Heyburn 5-15, into the attack however, showed the visitors’ frailties in playing spin bowling. Ably supported by Josh Hall and some indifferent shots, in the space of just ten overs, they reduced Lisburn to 104 all out in 29 overs.

No rest and with a number of players unavailable due to injury or exams, Sunday brought another important league fixture, this time Waringstown travelling to Comber to take on a strong North Down for the teams’ second encounter in a week. The game had a delayed start and was reduced to 30 overs a side. Batting first, Steven Allen (39) and Paddy Currie (34) got the team off to a great start, with 70 coming off the first 12 overs. Steven in particular was in superb touch, playing a number of excellent shots all around the wicket.

Unfortunately, this momentum wasn’t carried on and apart from Keith Allen (14) and Jason Stokes (14) the rest of the team failed to maintain the run rate and develop the innings. Waringstown were all out in the 29^th over for 136 was a disappointing return given the start that was made.

Another top class fielding display coupled with a high standard of catching helped the bowlers restrict North Down to 109 all out in the 27^th over. The opening pair of Charlie Crasborn 3-23 and Matt Allen 1-15 continues to impress. Supported by Alan Harrison 2-31 and Geoff Heyburn 3-22, it was clear the home batsmen buckled under the pressure and with the relative silence that greeted the final wicket, it was clear that the home supporters were left shell shocked at how the Waringstown bowlers ripped through their middle order, this result maintaining their position at the top of the league.

Jason and Alan lead Seconds to remarkable one-wicket win

IF you thought Waringstown’s recent victory over North Down in the NCU Premier League was extraordinary, you should have been at The Lawn on Sunday.

Waringstown Seconds were apparently down and out, a disappointing batting display leaving them 156 for nine chasing 223 for victory against North Down Seconds. One or two members of the fielding side certainly appeared to think the game was over, but someone forgot to tell Jason Stokes and Alan Harrison. With the former batting with a runner after pulling a hamstring, the last-wicket pair batted remarkably. Initially they had nothing to lose, but they held their nerve admirably as the possibility of a win came closer. Stokes was the aggressor, hitting a series of boundaries, with one towering six off the New Zealand left arm seamer Kieran Donnelly going down particularly well with the home crowd. It was actually very easy in the end, with Harrison (15 no) rotating the strike intelligently, and Stokes (47 no) hitting the bowling to all parts of the Lawn. The winning total was reached with more than an over to spare. Earlier in the day Waringstown had started well with the ball with Matthew Allen (4-30) making three early breakthroughs and Charley Crasborn bowling with a lot of aggression. But North Down fought back and only Alan Harrison (2-36) and Josh Hall (2-46) prevented the visitors from a 250 plus total. The fielding display was distinguished by a catch from Davy Dawson he had no right to take, as he plucked the ball from the air when it looked to have passed him, to remove the excellent Tim Simmonite.
On a good batting strip Waringstown were still confident of reaching the winning total, but much of the early batting was disappointing. Steven Allen made 45 but it was slow going and James Matthews reached 30 before he was bowled by a beauty from left-arm spinner Andrew Haire.

Waringstown sorely missed the presence of Ian Morrison in the middle order as the wickets clattered, but then it was enter a certain Jason Stokes and Alan Harrison..

Ian stars as Seconds ease through in Junior Cup

IAN Morrison played a starring role as Waringstown Seconds eased into the next round of the Goldblatt McGuigan Junior Cup with a seven wicket victory at Drumaness on Saturday.

Fielding first Waringstown restricted Drumaness to 182 in their 50 overs. A steady bowling performance was backed up by a much improved fielding display. Matt Allen 2-18, Josh Hall 2-37 and Jonny Nation 1-14 in 10 overs were the pick of the bowlers.
Drumaness being a compact ground, Waringstown were confident that this total was well within their reach. This proved to be the case. Morrison, who has been in superb form so far this season, took full advantage with another strong display of batting, his rapid 88 including ten fours and five six. This was backed up by a steady 46 not out from opener Steven Allen and contributions from David Dawson 13, and Josh Hall, 14no,

Waringstown reached their target in the 35th over. They now play Woodvale at home in the quarter-final on Saturday, June 19.

Mixed weekend for Seconds

With away trips to Ballymena and Carrick, it was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Waringstown Seconds.

A narrow nine-run defeat at Eaton Park was followed by scrappy three-wicket win at Middle Road.
In both games, Waringstown could not maintain the standards set, in all disciplines, in their previous matches.

On Saturday, a below par fielding display, let Ballymena off the hook, and their score of 181 was 20-30 runs more than they should have had.

Jonny Nation with 10 overs for 15 runs and Geoff Heyburn 4-37 were the pick of the bowlers. Waringstown should have managed to pass this total comfortably, all their batsmen getting in before managing to get themselves out, Geoff Heyburn 32 and Paddy Currie 25 top scoring, but still coming up short at 172, in what was a disappointing result.

Sunday at Carrick, in a rearranged game, allowed Waringstown a chance to make ammends for the disappointment of the previous day. In a remarkable match, Waringstown bowled Carrick out for 66. Carrick the previous day having scored 316 on the same wicket. New Zealand visitor Charley Crasborn had a great debut, showing plenty of aggression with 5-36. Josh Hall also showed good discipline with his line and length finishing with 3-6 in 6 overs, a much improved fielding display from the Saturday. Unfortunately the batting demons returned. Thinking it was only a matter of going out and knocking the runs off, Waringstown pressed the self distruct button.

An aggressive Carrick attack nearly pulling off a shock result. Only Paddy Currie 21, and Josh Hall 18, refused to let the occassion get to them. A huge sigh of relief was nearly audable when the winning runs were scored.

Ian and Steven smash hundreds in Junior Cup win

Waringstown Seconds eased through to the next round of the Junior Cup, in what was potentially, a tricky encounter against Lisburn at The Lawn on Saturday. Ian Morrison and Steven Allen were the heroes with superb centuries.
Batting first Waringstown maintained a great run rate throughout the innings and at the end of their 50 overs amassed 318. Anything the 1sts opening batsmen could do, the 2nds could do also, openers each scoring centuries. Steven Allen, initially taking a back seat in the opening stand, finishing with 107 and Ian Morrison, continuing his great start to the season with 114 in 29 overs, were the major contributors, both looking assured against a good Lisburn attack. Josh Hall coming in at 5, also made another telling contribution to the innings, with a great knock of 58, kepping the runs ticking along.

The winning total was always going to be a tough ask for Lisburn’s batsmen, and so it proved to be the case, losing wickets at regular intervals to a disciplined Waringstown bowling attack. Josh Hall got in on the action again with 3-26 and Alan Harrison 3-28 was his ever reliable self, picking up important wickets. Jonny Nation also chipped in with 2-38 in what again was a solid fielding display.

Waringstown wrapped the game up in the 32nd over, bowling Lisburn out for 143. They now face Drumaness in the next round, hoping they can maintain their good start to the season and who knows, maybe go one step further than last year’s disappointing final display.

Seconds start campaign with comfortable win

Defending champions Waringstown Seconds at last got their their league campaign under way, on a bright Bank Holiday Monday at The Lawn. They recorded a comfortable seven wicket victory against a young Bangor team.
Waringstown’s own young players showed up well and showed how they have improved from the end of last year.

Losing the toss Waringstown fielded first and restricted Bangor to 186 in their 50 overs. Teenagers Matt Allen 1-37 and Josh Hall 2-37 opened the bowling and caused the Bangor openers some trouble on a good batting wicket. They also bowled at the end of the innings where they showed a lot of disciplin when put under pressure. However, Jonny Nation making his competitive debut with the club was the pick of the bowlers. His off-spin proving hard to score off, bowling his 10 over spell at a cost of 1-19. Alan Harrison also stood out, starting as he left off last season, 10 overs 1-27.

Waringstown’s batting was solid and had little trouble reaching the Bangor total. Jamie Matthews, 38 and Stephen Allen, 33 got the run chase off to a confident start. David Dawson, 23no and Josh Hall, 11no finished the game with 11 overs to spare, however it was Ian Morrison who stood out with the bat. Controlled but typically agressive, he looked comfortable throughout, finishing with 71 off little more than 50 balls. A pleasing all round start to the season.

Opening the batting Aaron Kennedy (20) and Keith Allen (15) got the innings off to a good start, however the feel-good factor was shortlived. Three wickets fell in the space of nine runs but experienced duo Alan Waite (54 no) and Ian Morrison (43) turned the innings around with a fine stand of 73 which laid the foundations for a competitive total. Matthew Allen’s quickfire 15 not out helped push the score to 198 in 50 overs.

The belief that the wicket would be helpful to bowlers was confirmed during the Bangor innings. With a disciplined bowling display and holding their catches, Waringstown bowled Bangor out for 91 in 35 overs. All the bowlers chipped in with wickets but it was Matthew Allen’s spell, 1-11 in 7 overs, and along with Keith Allen, 3-24 in 10 overs, did the damage and set the team up for their win. This was Matthew’s best spell of bowling all year, repeatedly beating the bat and deserving more than his one wicket.

Two wickets for Kris Lyness, Alan Harrison and Johnny Nation rounded off a pleasing victory, the first in Bangor in four years.