A Disappointing End to a Promising Season

Maghera Cricket Club’s 1st XI brought their League 1 campaign to a close on Saturday with a six-wicket defeat to Fox Lodge 2nd XI at home.

MCC 1st XI

Maghera 1st XI vs Fox Lodge 2nd XI - League 1

Saturday 29/8/26 - The Rainey

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Maghera were dismissed for 163 in 37 overs. Anu Sanjeewa and Muhammad Zeeshan made a positive start, putting on 31 for the opening wicket, with Anu (21) and Muhammad (17) both making valuable contributions.

Further runs from the middle order, including 29 from Scott Dougherty and 15 from Surya Amaravadi, kept the innings moving, but at 99 for 8 Maghera looked in danger of being bowled out for a much lower total.

However, Luke Simpson and Anilkumar Sebastian produced an excellent ninth-wicket partnership worth 64 runs. The pair showed great composure and played some excellent, sensible cricket to give Maghera something to defend. Luke eventually fell for a well-made 30, while Anil remained unbeaten on 30 to help take the total to 163.

Maghera made the perfect start with the ball, with Anu Sanjeewa striking with just the second delivery of the innings, bowling the Fox Lodge opener with Caleb Caskey taking the catch. Further wickets followed and Maghera had Fox Lodge in trouble at 35 for 3.

Despite some excellent spells of bowling and hard work in the field, Fox Lodge recovered through a 102-run partnership between Jonathan Heywood and Ivan McNeill. Heywood batted particularly well, and the pair guided their side to 137 for 4 before completing the chase in 34 overs.

Anu finished with two wickets, while Alfie Stewart and Anilkumar Sebastian claimed one each. Caleb Caskey and Surya Amaravadi were both unfortunate not to receive the reward their excellent spells deserved, with both bowling impressively throughout.

Maghera 1st XI - 163 (37) def by Fox Lodge 2nd XI - 165/4 (34.3)

A special thanks goes to Yeshwanth Ravi for his excellent work scoring throughout the match and the season.

Scott Dougherty and Yeshwanth Ravi

The focus now turns to the future. The players will have time to reflect on the season, learn from the challenges and return next year fitter, stronger and more determined.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the 1st XI throughout the season. The hard work, commitment and fight shown by the team has been clear throughout, and there is plenty to be proud of.

Written by Scott Dougherty (Club Captain)