1st XI Push Ardmore Close as 3rd XI Produce Historic Victory
- Maghera Cricket
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
It was a weekend of contrasting results for Maghera’s senior sides, with both teams showing the determination, commitment and team spirit that continues to define the club.
The 1st XI produced a battling performance against Ardmore, pushing their opponents all the way in a closely fought contest that went down to the final wickets. Meanwhile, the 3rd XI delivered a memorable victory over Erne, combining an outstanding batting display with a superb bowling performance, including a historic milestone for the club.
Another weekend of strong performances, valuable contributions and plenty of positives to take forward for Maghera Cricket Club.
Maghera 1st XI vs Ardmore 2nd XI - League 1
Saturday 11/7/26 - The Rainey
Winning the toss, Maghera elected to bat first and looked to build a competitive total. However, at 48/5, the innings was in a difficult position and a fightback was needed.
That fight came through a number of important contributions down the order, with Surya Amaravadi (22), Kenny Irvine (20) and Ajay Krishnan (21) showing great composure to steady the innings and push the score into a defendable range. Further valuable runs from Abhimanyu Thayakkattil, Caleb Caskey and Alfie Stewart helped Maghera reach a battling total of 143.
With the ball in hand, Maghera came out firing. Opening bowlers Anu Sanjeewa and Denton Cant produced a superb spell of bowling, putting Ardmore under immediate pressure and deserved more reward for their efforts. After 11 overs, Ardmore found themselves struggling at 23/3.
The pressure continued throughout the innings, with disciplined bowling and excellent effort in the field reducing Ardmore to 90/7 and leaving Maghera firmly in control of the contest.
Unfortunately, the game slipped away in the closing stages. With Ardmore’s wicketkeeper forced to retire injured after suffering a broken finger, the final partnership dug deep and added 56 runs, with S. Antony playing a key innings to guide Ardmore over the line.
A frustrating result for Maghera, with the team showing tremendous fight, belief and intensity throughout the match. The opening bowling spell and the fightback with the bat were real positives to take forward.
A game that was there for the taking — but plenty of encouragement from a performance full of character.
Maghera 1st XI - 143 def by Ardmore 2nd XI - 146/7
Written by Scott Dougherty (Club Captain)
Maghera 3rd XI vs Erne CCC 2nd XI - League 6
Sunday 12/7/26 - Enniskillen
Maghera’s 3rd XI produced a memorable all-round performance against Erne, combining an excellent batting display with a devastating bowling performance to secure a fantastic victory.
Batting first, Maghera made a steady start before Swethankh Shanmughan took control of the innings with an outstanding display of batting. Showing excellent composure and shot selection, he punished the loose deliveries and produced his finest performance in Maghera colours to date, scoring an impressive 47 runs. Well supported at the other end by Simon Alleyne, the pair put on a 74 run partnership.
After Swethankh’s dismissal, Kenny Irvine continued the momentum, finding his rhythm quickly and contributing to a valuable partnership. Further runs from Rory helped keep the scoreboard moving before Ratan Thapliyal arrived at the crease and produced a brilliant attacking innings.
Combining powerful boundary hitting with excellent running between the wickets, Ratan put the Erne bowling attack under pressure throughout his innings. The milestone moment came as he brought up his first 50 for Maghera, celebrating a memorable achievement in the middle.
A strong partnership between Kenny and Ratan was followed by another valuable contribution from Glenn Baird, who continued his excellent form this season with 16 runs not out. Glenn and Roger Talbot helped guide Maghera to an imposing total of 272 from 30 overs, with the innings featuring 25 fours and 2 sixes.
The team then produced a superb bowling display to defend the total.
Mark Semple led the attack with an outstanding spell of bowling, taking a wicket with his first delivery and quickly putting Erne under pressure. Maintaining excellent control throughout his spell, Mark dismantled the Erne batting order and finished with remarkable figures of 6/6 from 6 overs, including a double wicket maiden and two further maidens.
Supporting him brilliantly, Glenn bowled an excellent opening spell and was rewarded with a deserved wicket, while Ratan backed up his half-century with a wicket maiden.
Rory continued his impressive habit of striking early, claiming a wicket with his first ball. Coming into the side, at just 12 years old, Danny took the ball and delivered a confident spell of accurate bowling, showing excellent control and maturity beyond his years. Danny claimed the final wicket, marking a fantastic achievement and a memorable moment in Maghera Cricket Club history.
A brilliant team performance from start to finish, with contributions throughout the side.
Maghera 3rd XI - 272/6 def Erne CCC 2nd XI - 29
Written by Simon Alleyne (3rds Captain)
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