Hot Smyth doubles up

Hot Smyth doubles up

24 May 2017

DOWNPATRICK entertained Lurgan at the Meadow on Saturday for the second time in a fortnight, this time in the first round of the Senior Cup. 

The home side emerged victorious and again Ryan Smyth, who hit an unbeaten 71 to take his run tally to 437 runs from only four innings and one dismissal.

Downpatrick lost the toss and Lurgan decided to bat first. 

Lurgan opener Johnston looked to impose himself on the Downpatrick bowlers with some early boundaries, but Boultwood and Smyth struck to dismiss both openers.

From then on only Stephen Chambers showed any real resolve in his lengthy stay at the crease for 49 runs. 

Wickets fell regularly with all the Downpatrick bowlers helping themselves to at least a wicket apiece.

Thomas Magowan, with 2-22 off his 10 overs, and Dale Mullan, with 3-14, were the pick of them, while Marty Gartland and Mark Yeates also offered their captain controlled spells as the Lurgan batting effort never really got going.

Downpatrick will need to set a more solid foundation at the top of the order if they are to continue their winning ways. 

Once again three quick wickets fell to leave them in trouble at 24-3.

Craig Boultwood and Ryan Smyth stabilised things with a match-winning partnership of 79 heavily dominated by Smyth, who, continued his blistering form by finishing 71 not out off only 63 balls in an innings which included eight fours and three sixes.

Boultwood fell for 24 and with only 30 runs required Jordan Wade and Smyth saw the team across the line to complete a comprehensive six-wicket victory which sees Downpatrick progress to the second round. 

Smyth was deservedly named man of the match for his 71 not out and one wicket for 14 runs off six overs with the ball.

Downpatrick travel to Holywood on Saturday hoping to make it three from three in the NCU’s competitive Division 1.