A MAN of the Match performance by skipper Mark Shields kept alive Academy's hopes of retaining the Goldblatt McGuigan Junior Cup.
Mark's five catches helped to dismiss North Down II for only 115 in the quarter-final, and he followed up with a match-winning knock of 61 that guided his side to a comprehensive win by eight wickets.
The Comber lads were expected to provide ster
n opposition at Newforge, but the holders always had the upperhand after putting the visitors in to bat.
Opening bowler, Johnny Irons, was in sparkling form and made the early breakthrough on his way to returning the best figures of the afternoon with three for 21 off ten.
The swing deliveries of David Greenlees then accounted for three wickets in his ten overs stint, that was rewarded with three for 25 off ten, and then off spinner Brian Boyd weighed in with three for 26 off eight to leave Academy requiring 116 for victory.
This was achieved in only thirty overs, and the foundation for success was laid by opening batsmen Brian Kelso and Mark Shields. This partnership was dominated by Shields who was in commanding form as he easily passed the half century mark with no fewer than seven boundaries before being dismissed on 61.
Kelso, so often the anchorman of the side, played a supporting role in that stand of ninety-seven and carried his bat for an undefeated 26 when the innings closed on 119 for two in the 30th over in which James Wix hit the winning boundary.
While much of the credit goes to the bowlers they would be quick to commend the high standard of fielding.
Commenting former captain, Brian Boyd, who led the club to their first Junior Cup triumph four years ago, said, "Anything that went to hand was gobbled up. Wicket-keeper/captain Mark Shields set the standard with five catches behind the stumps, while David Spence took a brilliant running catch over his shoulder off David Greenlees' first delivery to dismiss McMillan, who posed a major threat. That was a vital wicket.”
So Academy are through to the semi-final of this prestigious competition in which they meet either Portadown or Ards in July.
This weekend Academy have two Ulster Bank Senior League Section 2 fixtures: against Portadown at home on Saturday, followed by a trip to Armagh on Sunday.
