Saintfield Prevail over the First Eleven

Bangor visited Saintfield Cricket Club last Saturday in their recent section one fixture and were full of confidence after last week’s win at home to Armagh. Bangor lost the toss and were sent into the field and hoped for a start of the week previous.

Saintfield started off well showing intent with their shots and getting away a few early boundaries before David Kennedy had Reid caught behind by Mclarnon for 18. Josh Bates then claimed Telford for 8 and the game was poised at 43-2. This brought in Saintfield’s overseas professional Alleyne who Bangor knew if they got him out early it would make Bangor the favorites, it wasn’t to be though as he made use of the short straight boundaries early on. Bates went on to claim the other opener for 32 which brought Saintfield captain Harrison to the crease at 95-3, this being the important partnership for both sides. Both passed their fifties in quick succession dealing a lot in boundaries and it was Alleyne who went on to score 123. With the score at 265-4 and a few dropped chances from the Bangor side including Alleyene twice, Bangor needed something to feel they had a chance with the bat. Bangor fought back well with Ben Escott and Jamie Sceates-Veale bowling tight at each end. It was Sceates who was the star of the Bangor bowling who claimed alleyne with a great catch by Michael Martin in the deep and the captain Harrison for a well worked 77, recording very impressive figures 6/40 off just his 6 overs. As the last wicket fell in the 46th over Saintfield finished on a total of 317 a total that seemed a lot but due to boundary sizes felt that it could be done for Bangor.

Bangor’s response never really got going with Saintfield’s opening bowlers bowling well with good line and lengths and picked up 3 wickets each. Kuda Samenduru who was just off the back off an impressive 87 last week looked good flashing a few boundaries but was ultimately caught for 22 and was the only Bangor Batsmen to go past the 20 marks. Josh Bates hung on well for 19 not out but that wasn’t enough as Bangor finished with a low score of 108 and felt they missed an opportunity for a good run chase on the small Saintfield pitch but wasn’t to be.

The Bangor men however go again next Saturday as they host Lurgan at the home of cricket at Uprichard Park and hope to see as much support possible as they search for their next win.