‘Better days ahead’ for Templepatrick, vows skipper

On Bank Holiday Monday when all the other Senior League Section 1 fixtures were postponed, Templepatrick’s trip to Downpatrick survived, but they returned home empty-handed.
Templepatrick Cricket Club captain, Robert Smith. INLT 17-923-CONTemplepatrick Cricket Club captain, Robert Smith. INLT 17-923-CON
Templepatrick Cricket Club captain, Robert Smith. INLT 17-923-CON

The start was delayed for almost two hours, and subsequently reduced to 43 overs a side, and in a low scoring match Downpatrick romped home without losing a wicket.

After being put in Robert Smith’s lads struggled on a damp wicket before posting a modest 139 in 42 overs, with Artie Campbell top scoring with 45, with support from Phil Kernaghan 17 and Ricky Greer 15.

In reply Downpatrick reached the target to win by ten wickets.

Although they didn’t manage to take a wicket Under 17s pace bowler John Ramsey and university student Ross Bryans bowled economically.

Commenting skipper Robert Smith said: “Losing the first two matches of the season isn’t the start that we wanted, but it is early days, and there is a long way to go, and I am confident that there are better days ahead.

“On the plus side our overseas player, Bob Homani, who is back with us from South Africa for another season, scored eleven runs in his first outing of the season and was tidy behind the stumps, and we are hoping that he will make a major contribution in the weeks ahead.”

Meanwhile Monday’s Academy – Donaghcloney Section 1 fixture was postponed owing to a partially waterlogged outfield at Castle Grounds.

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