Magowan the derby master

Magowan the derby master

30 May 2012

DOWNPATRICK continued their positive start to the league season with a hard fought six-wicket victory over neighbours Dundrum at Strangford Road on Saturday.

The visitors batted first and openers Ravi Patil and Rodney Hassard batted constructively. On reaching his half century, Dundrum’s overseas professional began to cut loose, scoring eight boundaries and five sixes on his way to 94.

With the score on 139, Patil came unstuck when he was dismissed by Downpatrick’s own overseas professional, Erik Laubscher (inset), who was making his debut, was aided by a solid catch by Justin Rea.

This sparked a collapse in the Dundrum batting order. Alan Tormey, Gavin McNerlin and Joel Maguire were removed in quick succession by Dan Carson.

Hassard moved the score to 178-4 before being dismissed for a battling 60, again off Carson’s spin bowling. Carson finished with fine figures of 4-41.

The Dundrum tail failed to wag in this match, with just 19 more runs being added before the visitors were all out for 197. Downpatrick’s Johnny Wheeler (3-24) profiting on this occasion.

Downpatrick’s response started brightly as openers Ben McIlroy and Paul Tate showed good composure and patience with the bat before Tate was bowled by Joel Maguire for 13 in the seventh over. The spotlight shifted to Laubscher, who rose to the challenge and batted impressively.

Ben McIlroy fell victim to Joel Maguire in the 11th over, leaving Downpatrick on 54-2.

Skipper James Magowan (84 not out) joined Laubscher in the middle, and the pair added runs to push Downpatrick past the century mark.

However, Ravi Patil exacted some revenge when he clean bowled Downpatrick’s professional.

Michael Carson was cheaply dismissed by Patil soon after. Justin Rea  (22 not out) joined his captain at the crease and the pair guided Downpatrick home.

UPS Man of the Match: James Magowan.