Bangor Finish 2023 in Style

Bangor travelled to Sandy Bay in Larne for their final game of the season. Already down to ten men due to a late withdrawal from Will Simpson due to injury. The Bangor men elected to bowl first on what looked to be an even pitch for bat and ball. 

Skelly and Pyper opened the bowling for Bangor with the Larne opening batsman struggling for early runs. Pyper consistently beat the bat with trademark away swing, but to no avail with the only shot that produced an edge sailing over the diminutive Samunderu’s head. The Bangor bowlers piled on the pressure as the Larne scoring rate remained comfortably under three an over. 

The Larne openers battled to the 14th over for the low total of 41 without loss. Soon the fiery Chris Walton with his left arm medium pace drew the edge from the first Larne opener and a few balls later, soared through the air like a Salmon out of the Larne harbour to pluck the ball out of the air with one hand. Larne were reduced to 42-2 with what was a stunning over, however Walton must give immense credit to the encouragement he received from Pyper and also for Pyper’s aid in softening the batsman up. He surely could not have gained his wickets, without the help of his friend and hero. 

The very next over the third Larne wicket was claimed by George Prince who trapped the batsman in front after employing a combination of line and length, leg side wides and duplicitously quick bouncers. Larne were reeling as the onslaught continued, with Prince gaining the fourth wicket caught behind, shortly followed by Walton’s third as Mark English claimed the catch at first slip. English holding his catch is something even the most conservative of gamblers would bet their house on. 

At 53-5 Larne were looking to the heavens for a miracle. Bangor responded with graceful brutality as club legend Paddy English sauntered in, long wavy locks flowing and had the ball talking, claiming two wickets caught and bowled and bowled respectively. There was also a wicket for Samunderu and Michael Skelly finished off the Larne innings, despite his best efforts to draw out the afternoon with leg side wides. 

Larne had been skittled for 97 and Bangor were intent on chasing it down and finishing their season on a high. Samunderu and McMillan opened to get the Bangor men off to a good start. They showed no remorse as they took the attack to the Larne bowlers as Samunderu hit 3 fours and a six in a display packed with intent, clean striking and poise. Samunderu’s innings came to an end much to dismay of the spectators on 28 runs off of 21 deliveries but Bangor had gained half of the total as they were left at 49-1. McMillan proved to be the anchor of the innings batting with Mark English and finally George Prince to see the team home. Despite his half century dodging antics, McMillan was impressive as he made 42 not out and Larne were trumped in a facile 8 wicket victory for the Bangorians. 

This was the final game for much-loved overseas player Kuda Samunderu whose happy-go-lucky demeanour and contrasting belligerent batting style made him a popular member of the club. Kuda’s coaching with the Youth section & Women’s team has been invaluable and he will not be forgotten in a hurry by all those who met him. We wish Kuda all the best back home in Cape Town and emphasise that there is always an open door for him at Bangor Cricket Club and a warm welcome ready, from his Bangor family. 

This marks the end of the season for Bangor. They finish the season with just three losses and through no fault of their own, missed out on a chance at promotion with three games being voided before the league split. The team have performed admirably and deservedly gained silverware in the T20 Bowl in last months thriller at Upritchard Park.

The club dinner and awards are next on the schedule on Friday 15th September and after a period of rest, attention will swiftly turn to next season as the side looks to return to Section One. Just where this great, glorious and gargantuan of a club rightly belongs.