Armagh keep slim hopes alive in their title chase

ARMAGH kept the NCU Section 1 title chase alive with a convincing win against Drumaness SuperKings that will also likely condemn the visitors to an immediate return back to Section 2.

The hosts went into the game knowing that Templepatrick’s game with Belfast was already off with the weather and that a win was essential to retain slim hopes of finishing first.

Armagh won the toss and elected to bowl first with the Mall looking remarkably well despite the horrible recent weather so much credit to the groundsteam on those efforts.

The visitors started quite well with Pattnaik launching into a rare assault on Dreyer with some lovely shots played.

The first wicket came when Cunningham was sent back after hitting it straight to Stuart McCall but couldn’t turn quickly enough and was run out with a good throw to McCarter.

Dreyer eventually got his man when Pattnaik hit a high catch that was very well held by William Mann.

The younger Mann then entered the bowling with instant success as former Armagh player Gelston edged his second ball behind to the gloves of McCarter.

The young Mann could do no wrong with three further wickets in quick succession with two smart catches from Dougan and his older brother Oliver helping him out.

Armagh captain Michael Hoey got into the act with a couple of wickets to clean up the tail, with more excellent Armagh fielding bringing catches to McCarter, the returning Harry Boyd and the last one to Harry Doyle who was unfortunate not to claim any wickets himself in a good opening spell.

There was also a spectacular run out by Dreyer as Armagh capped off their best fielding effort of the year with seven catches and two runouts seeing Drumaness all out for 101.

One of cricket’s sillier rules is that with the speed Armagh bowled their visitors out it meant they were actually disadvantaged by having to go out to bat straight away without a break.

The start was steady with Samuel Wilson and William Dougan looking to build an opening partnership and see off the new ball which they did comfortably.

The introduction of Gelston’s spin caused more issues with both being removed quite quickly with Dreyer and McCall next up.

Either side of the delayed tea interval they showed good judgement and patience with nice running between the wickets. Dreyer brought the game to a speedy conclusion when one of the visiting spinners proved to his liking and a flurry of boundaries took Armagh to the target with an unbeaten half century stand to boot as Armagh won the game by eight wickets.

Armagh captain Michael Hoey was understandably delighted to beat the weather and the opposition with a much changed side but everyone who came in contributed well to a strong win that keeps the city side second in section one. This weekend Armagh travel to league leaders Templepatrick in a top of the table clash.