Downpatrick batsmen fail to shine against Donaghcloney

27 July 2016

DOWNPATRICK suffered their second league loss of the season at home to Donaghloney on Saturday.

Craig Boultwood won the toss and elected to bat on a good Downpatrick wicket, but things did not start well when Paul Tate was dismissed without scoring in the first over.

Dale Mullan and Amit Patil put on a second wicket partnership of 56 to put the home side in a good position until Patil was caught and bowled by the opposition professional, Desi.

Craig Boultwood joined Mullan and this pair took the score to 78 until Mullan gloved a rising short ball through to the keeper and was dismissed for a fine 42, which included six boundaries.

Mullan’s dismissal brought about a clutter of wickets, most of which were down to poor shots and they were soon left reeling at 127-9.

Some late blows from Alastair Graham, who hit 20 runs, saw Downpatrick post a below par score of 144.

This was a disappointing effort from a talented batting line-up who in truth lacked the application required to post a score of 250-plus, which was believed to be par.

To defend a low score on a good track you have to take all your chances. Unfortunately this didn’t happen as Donaghcloney won comfortably by eight wickets in the end.

Ross Boultwood and Alastair Graham bowled well, but were unable to get the required breakthroughs.

Thomas Magowan took two wickets to give Downpatrick a sniff and was particularly unlucky to have two other chances ped.

Ultimately, it was poor batting which led to defeat and it was a day to forget.

Downpatrick will have to bounce back quickly with a tricky away trip to Ballymena on Saturday if they are to keep their league hopes alive.

They also travel to Templepatrick on Sunday for an Ulster Shield semi-final in the chase for more silverware.

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