Bangor Prevail in an All-Time Classic
8 min read
Downpatrick travelled to Bangor for a mouth-watering encounter in NCU Section 2. Both sides were met by an effulgent Upritchard Park with a stunning wicket and lightning outfield to boot. As with every Bangor game, entertainment and outstanding cricket were to be expected. Alas, nobody could have predicted the show stopping game of cricket that was to ensue.
Downpatrick won the toss and inserted Bangor to bat, meaning the Bangor faithful were treated to the opening partnership of Sam McMillan and Mark Hutchinson. Bangor’s customary strong start was a joy to watch, as McMillan was once again the aggressor scoring 33 of the first 50 runs as the imposing Bangor pair brought up their 50 run partnership in 6 overs.
The gluten-free Gavaskar powered on with elegant stroke making. There was no brutish power or loose swipes at the ball, only clean and destructive timing. He brought his 50 up in 41 balls, all in attendance knew they were witnessing one of the finest young batsmen in the NCU in action. Soon, the 100 run partnership would come up after 15 overs. Hutchinson, not to be outdone by McMillan, brought up a fastidious half century, in the much more old-school manner of 59 balls. McMillan offered a firm handshake to his batting partner, suitable for a man of his age.
Seldom have Bangor seen a more settled and successful opening partnership as Hutchinson and McMillan’s imperious form continued to bring up the 150 partnership in 23 overs. Downpatrick looked to the heavens as nothing they seemed to do succeeded, what would it take to dismiss these two gargantuan of the local game? How could one conceivably end a partnership seemingly made of reinforced steel? Soon, they would find their answer. McMillan, for all the money in the world, appeared to be cruising towards a second century of the season, but was deceived by an in swinging delivery and out bowled by Habeebulla for 89. Just 11 agonising runs short of a deserved century, the Bangor starboy was welcomed off of the pitch to great acclaim, after giving Bangor the start they required.
Hutchinson and Kirkpatrick were the new partnership, looking to keep the pressure on the Downpatrick side. The run rate pressed on, with both players rotating strike excellently and adding a boundary or two in the process. When running back for what seemed an easy two, a stellar direct hit from the Downpatrick fielder Hutton had Kirkpatrick out run out. There was little that could be done by Kirkpatrick in the face of individual brilliance, as he departed for 17 with the score at 203-2 after 30 overs.
Since his return to cricket this season Hutchinson’s run scoring has been unmatched. Last Saturday, this form continued. Constantly steadfast, unwavering concentration and an unmatched tenacity typify Hutchinson’s batting style. On Saturday he brought his century up off of 104 balls in a vintage Hutchinson innings. Clear jubilation was on Hutchinson’s face as he fist pumped the air, receiving deserved applause from his adoring public. The applause was short-lived as Hutchinson departed for 106 but received a standing ovation as he departed the field of play.
Skipper Parker and Robbie Van Harte were now at the crease adding 6 boundaries between them. The rest of the innings featured cameos from Simpson, Skelly and McNaught, as Bangor posted an imposing 290 runs total.
Downpatrick did not start their chase as they might have hoped. With tight bowling from Van Harte and Pyper at both ends, the pressure built and resulted in three wickets. The first of these was as stunning a slip catch as you are likely to see. George Prince, diving to his right like a Bangorian Jonty Rhodes snared an awe-inspiring one handed grab. This set the tone for the Bangor side as Van Harte would collect two more wickets via LBW as the ball was swinging early.
These wickets brought Marco Wyngard and Charlie Hutton to the crease. The pair batted admirably with Wyngard displaying powerful ball striking. However, the run rate continued to fluctuate between 7 and 8 an over. The batting track at Upritchard is amongst the best you’ll find, thus this game had a long way to go. If Wyngard was to remain, the game may go in the away side’s favour.
The atmosphere was pensive as Bangor dropped catches, missing out on crucial opportunities to remove the two set batsmen. Downcast, hope lost, looking for answers. Bangor seemed to be letting this game slip away. Wyngard brought up his ton, what a match winning knock this was. Until, McMillan tempted Wyngard with a full delivery, which the South African shot into the air. The ball was borderline in orbit, soaring through the sky for what seemed like an age. Michael Skelly was set under the ball on the boundary, he had dropped a chance earlier. Now was the time for redemption, the time to bring Bangor back into this game. And the catch was taken! Cheers erupted from all corners as Wyngard departed for an excellent 102 off of 73 balls, but short of a winning total. Downpatrick were now 221-4 requiring 69 to win off of 8 overs.
Downpatrick did not take the blow lying down. They continually battled and scored runs and after a relatively expensive over from Pyper in the 38th over, HRH George Prince was to bowl the 39th. 14 was required off of two overs.
Singles were all that occurred in the first half as Prince bowled tightly. Then, disaster struck. A no ball was hit for four as the total was reduced to 6 off of 9 balls. Most men would crumble under the pressure, but Prince is not most men, but Bangor royalty. The next ball he dismissed Hutton who chopped on and departed for 105. The very next ball, the new batsman hit the ball sky high as it looked to be heading for six, young McMillan though claimed a sensational catch, as the away side lost two wickets in two balls. The next ball was a dot ball as the in batsman looked to hold strike for the final over.
6 runs required, 6 balls remained. Pyper to bowl the last. Some may remember the famous victory of the T20 bowl final the previous year, on the same hallowed turf no less. There Pyper defended four off of the last over to claim silverware, today he was allowed more leeway with a healthy 6 runs to defend. In most games the batting side would be favoured, alas, this is not most games. A never say die attitude has surrounded this team all season. Now, their character and that of their young death bowler was to be truly tested.
As with the aforementioned final, certain overs require ball by ball analysis. Without further ado, here is your ball by ball coverage of THAT final over.
BALL ONE 6 runs required off of 6 balls
Pyper is not known for lacking confidence. When final overs come, he sticks his hand up and relishes the occasion. This over was to be no different. Charging in for the first ball he bowled with pace off, just back of a length, as Kirkpatrick took it behind the stumps. A dot ball to begin, shades of August ‘23, a quiet confidence abounding around the ground.
BALL TWO – 6 Runs required off of 5 balls
Pyper ran in once more and bowled an away swinging ball outside the off stump. He fist pumped the air believing he has secured another crucial dot ball, but to his great despair the umpire signalled a wide. After, fully accepting the decision in a sporting manner Pyper steadied himself for the next ball, knowing there was still a task at hand.
BALL TWO TAKE TWO- 5 runs required off of 5 balls
Pyper stormed to the crease once more, the bit between his teeth. This time a full delivery outside off. The batsman swiped, hoping to make a connection, but it was no use. Another play and miss, another dot ball, another cheer from the Bangor believers. But, the job was far from complete. Just one shot could finish this game still.
BALL THREE – 5 runs required off of 4 balls
Pyper charged in, seeming more assured with each passing moment. Bowling another slower ball outside the off stump the batsman could only get an edge on the ball as it ran down to third man. Will Simpson collected it and threw it as the batsmen returned for a second run. The ball perfectly reached the accepting gloves of Kirkpatrick who took of the bails, removing the set batsman run out. Kirkpatrick’s wicketkeeping abilities have become an accepted fact at Bangor, but under pressure, there is no denying how cool the run out was. One run still counted, this game was still in the balance.
BALL FOUR – 4 runs required off of 3 balls
Pyper swanned in towards the crease once more, almost grinning as he stood at the precipice of another great escape. The batsman stepped across trying to make Pyper change his line, composed and cool Pyper secured another dot ball, beating the outside edge once more. The batsmen had a conference, Bangor carried on understanding what had to be done, no words required.
BALL FIVE – Four runs required off of 2 balls
2 balls to go, victory close, defeat not far behind it. Oh no. A rare loose ball, a full toss and it’s been swiped to leg side. A great stop on the boundary by Prince prevents the game being over, but cannot prevent the two runs being scored. It is now an agonising wait to the final ball, it couldn’t slip away could it?
FINAL BALL – 2 runs required
What a game of cricket. Whoever the victor both teams can hold their head high, but for now, there’s a ball to be bowled. Pyper runs in, the batsman steadies himself, all of Upritchard Park waits with baited breath. Pyper bowls and beats the outside edge! The non-striker has taken off but Kirkpatrick’s gloves are too sublime, too experienced and he runs up to the stumps just in time to remove the bails before the batsman could make his ground, giving Bangor the most famous of wins, by the barest of margins!
When final overs like this occur other performances can become lost. Lest we forget, Hutchinson’s century, McMillan’s 89, Simpson’s run out, Kirkpatrick’s cool-headed keeping, McMillan and Skelly’s boundary catches. This was a team performance, by a team who are in the habit of winning, by a team who love to fight for one another and by a team who feel there is something special building within them. Bangor are top of the table, confident and prepared for every challenge. When such a histrionic and beguiling game happens, there are few words to describe the contrasting agony and ecstasy shown by the two opponents. There is unlikely to be a more entertaining game of local cricket this year, maybe in the next ten years. But one thing is for certain, when Bangor are up against the wall, they just seem to find a way.
In summation – Floreat
