Dundrum get the better of Downshire to retain Cup

Dundrum get the better of Downshire to retain Cup

13 August 2025

DUNDRUM Cricket Club’s select side successfully defended their Downshire Cup crown with a 29-run victory at home to Downshire select. 

On a glorious summer’s evening, the hosts overcame a shaky start with the bat before producing a disciplined bowling display to seal back-to-back titles.

Dundrum captain Scott Symington won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Matthew Douglas and Noah Stafford put on 18 for the first wicket, before Stafford (7) was removed by Downshire’s opening bowler, D Russell. 

James Wright arrived with attacking intent, striking three boundaries in a quick-fire 12, but his departure to O Hill triggered a mini-collapse.

Douglas (8) and Andrew Campbell (13) soon followed, leaving the hosts reeling at 49 for 4. Stuart Campbell (13) and Symington steadied the innings with a 32-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession to R Macleod after sharp catches on the boundary. 

At 86 for 6 from 12 overs, Dundrum looked in danger of posting a below-par total. However, the lower order rallied, with crucial contributions from Caleb Armstrong, Keba Butler and Niamh Lowry pushing the score to a competitive 124 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs.

Downshire began their reply in explosive fashion, with J Gnodde dispatching the first ball of the innings for a towering six. 

Gnodde and F Hartley-Russell added 22 inside three overs, before the latter fell to a fine slip catch from Stuart Campbell, off Wright’s bowling. 

Gnodde continued to attack, adding 30 with L Botham, but both fell within the space of three balls, halting Downshire’s momentum.

From 57 for 1 after seven overs, 

the visitors slipped to 69 for 6 as Campbell (2-12) and Lee Connor (2-11) each struck twice in the middle overs. 

N Devas attempted a late counter-attack and was bowled by Matthew Douglas, who produced a match-winning spell of fast bowling, taking four wickets and troubling every batter he faced. 

The visitors were eventually dismissed for 96, falling 29 runs short, while Douglas finished with excellent figures of 4 for 3. 

Symington was presented with the Downshire Cup after the match, with both teams receiving a warm round of applause from the crowd.