Maghera CC Men's: Weather Hits 1sts, Encouraging Performances from 2nds & 3rds

It was a challenging weekend for Maghera Cricket Club, with weather playing a decisive role across all senior fixtures. The 1st XI saw their cup match abandoned without a ball bowled, while the 2nd XI produced an impressive performance away to Ballyspallen before the contest was untimely abandoned due to rain. Meanwhile, the 3rd XI showed real character at home against Sion Mills, battling through difficult conditions despite falling short.

Maghera Cricket Club 3rd XI

Maghera 2nd XI vs Ballyspallen 2nd XI - League 4

Sunday 7/6/26 - Ballyspallen, Limavady

Maghera 2nds delivered a very encouraging performance on Sunday, despite challenging conditions on a wet and slippery outfield.

With the ball, Maghera adapted well to the difficult surface. Graeme Stevenson set the tone with a brilliant opening spell of 2–20, removing both openers and keeping the scoring under control. John Andrews continued the pressure in the middle overs, returning 3–36, including the key wicket of J. O’Brien on 53 and a double-strike in consecutive deliveries. Ajay Krishnan bowled with control, finishing 1–41, including the dangerous M. O’Brien. Throughout the innings, Maghera’s discipline and energy remained high, staying competitive despite the conditions.

The reply started strongly. Muhammad Zeeshan was in commanding form, finishing 34* (33), highlighted by a well-timed straight-driven six, while Sean Bentley supported confidently with 9*. Their unbeaten 53-run partnership from 8.2 overs allowed Maghera to score freely and dictate the tempo before rain brought the contest to a premature end, with Maghera 53/0.

Overall, the 2nds showed real heart and discipline, both with the ball and bat, providing plenty of positives to take into next weekend’s match against Erne.

-Match Abandoned -

Ballyspallen 2nd XI 218/6 - Maghera 2nd XI 53/0 (8.2)

Written by Roger Talbot (2nds Captain)

Maghera 3rd XI vs Sion Mills 2nd XI - League 6

Sunday 7/6/26 - Allen Park

Maghera 3rds showed real spirit on Sunday despite falling short in their chase against Sion Mills at Allen Park. After a few late changes to the squad, Phil McClay won the toss and Maghera took to the field in challenging weather conditions.

Sion Mills started steadily, but once play resumed after a brief rain interruption, Maghera’s bowlers applied consistent pressure. Phil produced a standout performance, finishing with 4–22 from a disciplined spell. The U18 players contributed impressively with the ball, with Sarah Marshal and Phillipa McClay claiming wickets, and Rory bowling aggressively, taking 3–21 from six overs. Extras and patient batting from Sion Mills captain J. Stewart helped them reach a total of 207, with Michael Cassidy taking the final wicket. Fielding highlights included confident catches from Phil McClay and Brett Marshal.

In reply, Maghera began positively, with Phil and Michael putting together a strong partnership. Michael recorded his highest score for the club to date, reflecting his recent improvements with the bat. After Phill’s dismissal to a fine catch at long-off, wickets fell too frequently to mount a successful chase. Nevertheless, Phillipa McClay and Henry Haddock batted through the full 30 overs with composure, showing determination and resilience under testing conditions.

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for the 3rds to take forward, including disciplined bowling, patient batting, and excellent team spirit in difficult weather. Thanks also to supporters who assisted with scoring and umpiring. Maghera will look to carry these lessons into their next fixture at the Rainey at the end of the month.

Maghera 3rd XI - 97/9 def by Sion Mills 2nd XI - 207

Written by Simon Alleyne (3rds Captain)