Bangor Dominant in win over BISC
4 min read
In a mouthwatering preview of the upcoming T20 Bowl final, Bangor welcomed BISC to a tropical and typically radiant Upritchard Park for the penultimate league clash before the mid-season split. Bangor lost the toss and were asked to bowl and what looked like an outstanding batting track, but feeling quietly confident in their bowler’s ability.
This confidence was justified, as the Bangor opening pair of Van Harte and Pyper missed the memo about the pitch being an excellent batting track. As the first wicket fell in the first over stumped off of the bowling of Van Harte, sparing the blushes of Sam McMillan after he dropped a dolly the previous ball and this meant BISC had lost their first wicket before registering a run.
The strong start continued with both Pyper and Van Harte displaying great skill and control. Van Harte collected another wicket in the fourth over, leaving BISC reeling at 13-2.
Not to be left out, Pyper removed the next batsmen with an away swinging delivery that was caught in the slips by George Prince at his most mobile.
BISC had their backs against the wall and the game had a competitive edge to it. Bangor were keen not to shirk the confrontation, but did not let it impact the game as a dominant bowling performance continued.
The biggest partnership for BISC of 35 occurred next, until a disciplined spell of bowing from George Prince would remove both batsmen, forcing them into some impetuous stroke making. BISC were reduced to 68-5 with Bangor prevailing in both the verbal battle and the battle of bat and ball.
BISC looked heavenward for a miracle, needing a hero to dig them out of a home, as the next batsman arrived at the crease. Would this be their man? Would Bangor be put back against the ropes? No, the batsmen was removed by the off spin of the Star-Spangled Will Simpson for a miserly duck.
A couple of brief cameos followed for the visitors, but disciplined bowling from the Bangor men kept them to an under par 106-8. Although this is perhaps more than they should have got, Bangor found themselves in a commanding position, with a stacked batting lineup and an international class road to boot.
A common trope amongst authors is “In media res” revealing the ending at the beginning of a book and revealing the details as the story progresses. (Don’t ever claim these match reports aren’t educational)
Today, let this Bangor innings be described using in media res, Bangor won by ten wickets. Now that the dull specifics have been dealt with, let us focus on the simply stunning batting of young Sam McMillan and the slightly more experienced Andrew Kirkpatrick.
McMillan got off to a blistering start spanking the ball to all parts of the ground. Although spanking may be to abrasive a term which sells short the skill of McMillan when wielding a willow. He plays the ball under the eyes with immaculate timing, precision and poise. He controlled the rate of scoring with a cool-headedness that surpasses his youthful years. Even when he thought he had thrown away his wicket, when he was out caught and bowled until a no ball was called, McMillan was quick to steady himself. Rest-assured the same mistake was not going to be made twice. Greediness has been the hallmark of this Bangor side’s batsmen this year and McMillan certainly filled his proverbial boots finishing on 51 not out, as his pursuit of the club’s coveted batting cup continued.
Not to be outdone, Kirkpatrick also consistently troubled the scorers and BISC bowlers alike. A native of the North West region, his innings is rarely without a few lusty blows, but he is anything but agricultural. Timing the ball effortlessly, using the bowlers pace against him, running with the zeal and vigour of a man half his age and doing it all for an adopted club which he adores, few are loving their cricket more than Kirkpatrick. With this combination of class and dynamism Kirkpatrick posted 44 runs not out, with a staggering strike rate of 137. A true leader of the changing room Kirkpatrick shouldered the responsibility of putting his opponents to the sword with a merciless streak akin to that of a cricketing contract killer.
Both men left the field to a heroes applause, befitting of the performance that just unfolded as Bangor remain at the top of the Senior League 2 table. After this weekend, the league splits and four more crucial games will remain in Bangor’s season, not including their defence of the T20 Bowl against tonight’s opponents.
However, minds now turn to Upritchard Park on Sunday as Saintfield are welcomed to the Gold Coast. Bangor go marching on and cricket is all the better for it.
