DUNDRUM Cricket Club’s U-17 XI claimed an impressive five wicket victory over Lisburn U-17s on Friday (5 July). Lisburn won the toss and on a windy evening at the Meadow, they decided to bat first.
Dundrum opened the bowling with James Wright and Caleb Armstrong. Dundrum got off to an excellent start, making scoring difficult for Lisburn in the opening overs.
James Wright picked up an early wicket in the third over. Lisburn looked to consolidate and start building a competitive total.
Daniel Murray and Joscelyn Wright came into the attack for Dundrum and continued to make scoring difficult for the batters. Spin bowler Murray in particular was bowling an excellent spell of, picking up three quick wickets (which almost included a hattrick) and eventually finishing with figures of 3 for 10 from his four-over spell.
Wright, who has been selected for the NCU U-17 girls team, finished with figures of 2 for 12 from her four over spell.
Lisburn never really got going in their innings as the combination of good Dundrum bowling and fielding made scoring difficult. Lisburn eventually finished on 94 for 8 from their 20 overs.
In the second innings, Dundrum opened the batting with Noah Stafford and Luke Stafford.
Noah Stafford hit two quick boundaries before being dismissed in the third over for 9. Daniel Murray joined Luke Stafford at the crease to consolidate the Dundrum innings and add 40 runs for the next wicket.
Murray was then eventually dismissed for 12 runs. Dundrum lost a couple of quick wickets to give Lisburn a chance of claiming the game. However, Luke Stafford continued to bat and frustrate the Lisburn bowlers.
Stafford combined with Niamh Lowry in the closing overs to add 25 runs and get Dundrum to the target.
Stafford finished on an excellent 35 not out, carrying his bat for the whole second innings. While Lowry finished on 9 not out.
An excellent win for the Dundrum U-17 XI against a strong Lisburn team. The Dundrum U-17s have a talented squad, with four team members playing interprovincial cricket this season, so they will be looking to push on in the coming weeks.
