Dundrum Cricket Club’s select XI successfully defended their Downshire Cup crown on Friday (1 August) with a 29-run victory over the Downshire select XI in front of a lively crowd in Dundrum.
On a glorious summer’s evening, the home side overcame a shaky start with the bat before producing a disciplined bowling display to seal back-to-back titles. Dundrum captain Scott Symington won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Matthew Douglas and Noah Stafford put on 18 for the first wicket before Stafford (7) was removed by Downshire’s opening bowler, D Russell.
James Wright arrived with attacking intent, striking three boundaries in a quickfire 12, but his departure to O Hill triggered a mini-collapse. Douglas (8) and Andrew Campbell (13) soon followed, leaving the hosts reeling at 49 for 4. Stuart Campbell (13) and Symington steadied the innings with a 32-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession to R Macleod after sharp catches on the boundary.
At 86 for 6 from 12 overs, Dundrum looked in danger of posting a below-par total. The lower order rallied, with crucial contributions from Caleb Armstrong, Keba Butler, and Niamh Lowry pushing the score to a competitive 124 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs.
Downshire began their reply in explosive fashion, with J Gnodde dispatching the first ball of the innings for a towering six. Gnodde and F Hartley Russell added 22 inside three overs before Russell fell to a fine slip catch from Stuart Campbell off Wright’s bowling. Gnodde continued to attack, adding 30 with L Botham, but both fell within the space of three balls, halting Downshire’s momentum.
From 57 for 1 after seven overs, the visitors slipped to 69 for 6 as Campbell (2-12) and Lee Connor (2-11) struck twice each in the middle overs. N Devas attempted a late counterattack but was bowled by Matthew Douglas, who produced a match-winning spell of fast bowling, taking four wickets and troubling every batter he faced. Downshire were eventually dismissed for 96, falling 29 runs short.
Matthew Douglas finished with excellent figures of 4 for 3. Symington was presented with the Downshire Cup after the match, with both teams receiving warm applause from the crowd.
A Historic Fixture
The Downshire Cup holds a special place in Dundrum’s cricketing heritage. Cricket was first introduced to the village by the sixth Marquess of Downshire, with Lord Arthur Hill — son of the Marquess — serving as club president.
The original Downshire cricket team, made up largely of estate workers, played on the Murlough Estate before the game spread into the village. Matches were staged at “The Meadow” on the banks of the Moneycarragh River, framed by the Mourne Mountains. In the old East Down League, the Downshire Cup was a two-innings affair and the highlight of the season.
Though the league folded in 1964, with Dundrum the last winners, the trophy remains a cherished link to the past. Friday’s match not only delivered a competitive contest but also revived a proud local tradition. With hopes high for an annual fixture, Dundrum will look forward to defending their title again next year.
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