NCU Section Two
Downpatrick 52-1 (8.5 overs)
Saintfield 51 (21.5 overs)
Downpatrick win by 9 wickets
DOWNPATRICK’s first XI enjoyed an easy nine wicket derby win over Saintfield on Saturday, with Vimal Dwivedi producing a Man of the Match performance.
Dwivedi hit 11 balls, five wickets and his first Downpatrick hat trick as the home supporters enjoyed his aggressive style of cricket.
A huge thanks must also go to the ground staff as the Strangford Road playing surface was like a duck’s pond late on Thursday afternoon past, with water levels reaching six inches in places, but the new drainage system proved worthwhile and Saturday’s game went ahead without any hiccups.
Saints skipper Gareth Harrison didn’t hesitate to bat and after six tight overs for 20 runs from Hamza Khan and Richu Raju, it was the very consistent Richu who got three of the top four in his five overs (3 for 12).
Downpatrick picked up a very good young player last year in Samuel Irwin, who previously played at Victoria, and he bowled well on the day, taking the next two in a super spell (6 overs, 2 for 8).
The Saintfield tail failed miserably against Vimal’s slow spin, losing their last eight wickets, seven which were ducks for only 28 runs.
Downpatrick have batted very aggressively this season, with Sunson Stephens and Amitesh Bhattarachya both hitting 22 not out as they chased the 51 in just nine overs.
The push to finish in the top four of NCU Section Two before the league splits continues.
Match ball sponsored by DSC Cars, Downpatrick.
The Downpatrick first XI’s next game is against Holywood in the NCU T20 Bowl on Friday at 6pm.
