Hit-wicket controversy can't stop CIYMS

Yesterday at Belmont they effectively sealed Derriaghy’s fate with a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

Batting first, Derriaghy posted 160 thanks to Kaushik Aphale’s 87 from 127 balls - with nine fours and two sixes.

Ross Bailey chipped in with 35.

For CIYMS, Justin Kemp took 3-30 and Allen Coulter 3-34.

The home side romped to victory courtesy of a 142-run opening partnership between John Matchett - 62 from 91 balls with nine fours - and Chris Dougherty - 73 off 71 balls with 12 fours, a third half-century in four innings confirming his return to form.

On Saturday, Dougherty made 64 against CSNI, with skipper Nigel Jones finishing on 64 not out and Justin Kemp 49 off 39 balls. Kemp is on a roll, having scored 323 runs for twice out since the Challenge Cup final.

An element of controversy in this game as CSNI professional Mansoor Amjad was given out hit wicket, to say he left the field of play reluctantly would be an understatement.

Jason van der Merwe top-scored with 50 and Corin Goodall 40 not out as the home side posted 204-7. For CI, two wickets each for Jones, David Robinson and Zach Rushe.

Pieter Malan had another field day in the key victory for North Down over Derriaghy. Danny Graham scored a century but was completely overshadowed as Malan scored 180 not out - his third 50 coming from 18 balls - with one over from Aphale going for 30.

Derriaghy then collapsed from 130 for 3 to 139 all out as Marty Moreland took 4 for 39, with only Aphale (50) and Craig Lewis (40) offering any resistance.

In the day’s other fixture, Carrickfergus wasted no time in chasing down the Lisburn total of 197.

Lisburn’s top seven all made double figures but it was Pat Botha, 77 not out from 46 balls with 12 fours and a six, who won the game. Jamie Holmes chipped in with 47 not out and Michael Gilmour made 49.