A Loss with the Last Game but Men’s 1XI Crowned Champions

Bangor travelled to Strangford Road on Saturday to take on Downpatrick CC in a top of section 2 clash. Both teams had all but secured their promotion with Bangor being crowned champions the previous weekend. 

With the early start, ground conditions were very wet, a combination of a week of heavy rain and the lying dew. These conditions made it difficult to determine the best decision at the toss. The coin fell on heads and Bangor Captain, Johnny Parker decided to bowl first. Robbie van Harte opened the bowling and has he has all season, bowled with great skill and control. Robbie finished his 4 overs with 3-17 and ended up as Bangor’s top wicket taker in the league with 31. The early wickets brought Downpatrick overseas player Marco Wyngard to the crease early and in difficult batting conditions he batted in a responsible manner. Two young off-spinners bowled their first overs for the 1^st XI. Daniel Rayner, who has recently represented the NCU u15’s with great success bowled 4 over 1-20 and Max Escott making his 1^st XI debut bowled 2 over 0-20. Both acquitted themselves very well and it was pleasing to see more young talent progressing through the club to 1^st XI level. Downpatrick Batted at a steady pace and got crucial boundaries away at the end of their innings and post a challenging 130.

Mark Hutchinson and Andrew Kirkpatrick opened the innings. By this stage the dew has burnt off and the home side were getting movement in the air for the first time in the game. It was clear from the outset that this was going to be a difficult ask with accurate bowling and conditions very foreign to what the Bangor side are accustomed to at Upritchard Park. A lot of credit must go to Downpatrick who bowled with great accuracy and brought their fielders in close. The disciplined bowling got the home side plenty of reward with dot balls building pressure and wickets resulting. The Bangor side struggled to release pressure and in the first 10 overs were unable to access the boundary. Downpatrick’s lengths were immaculate throughout and didn’t allow the Bangor batsmen to free their arms. Only experienced player, Patrick McMillan could find any fluency with 29 off 27 balls including the biggest 6 of the season off spinner Dwivedi. Bangor just could not keep up with the rate and the hosts ran out deserving victors by 31 runs. Bangor would like to thank Downpatrick CC for their hospitality, two excellent games of cricket and look forward to crossing paths next year in Section 1.

2024 has been a successful and memorable summer for all at Bangor Cricket Club. Youth numbers continue to flourish, more women and girls are playing cricket than ever before and all 6 senior men’s teams competed with great success. 

Youth cricket has continued to develop and it is with great thanks to all volunteers that we are able to introduce and grow the game to our youngest members. A real highlight of the season has been the Ladies team. In their second full season the team has continued to grow and through great commitment, success came with it. The Ladies team enjoyed a great league season, seeing them win their respective league and reach the semi-final of the cup. 

The senior men continued the success with the 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th XI’s all securing promotion and the 1^st XI retaining their T20 Bowl crown from the previous season. Alongside this success is also the continued progress of our youth section who are developing and playing key roles within our senior sides which bodes extremely well for the future of cricket in Bangor. 

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank overseas coach Robin van Harte for all his efforts this season. The coaching that has been provided throughout the club has been outstanding and plays a vital role within the development of all our players. A lot of the success witnessed this season has come from the efforts and plans put in place years early and it is with thanks to all of those who have played a part in that process.