Weekend Round-Up: Strong Performances Across the Senior Sides
- Maghera Cricket
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
It was another busy weekend for Maghera Cricket Club’s senior sides, with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI all in action across League fixtures.
The 1st XI continued their excellent run of form with an impressive victory away to Ardmore 2nd XI, while the 2nd XI produced a dominant all-round display at home against Newbuildings 3rd XI. The 3rd XI faced difficult conditions at Allen Park and ultimately fell short against Ballyspallen 3rd XI, but there were still plenty of positives to take from the performance.
Maghera 1st XI vs Ardmore 2nd XI - League 1
Saturday 15/8/26 - The Bleachgreen, Derry
Maghera 1st XI continued their strong run of form with an impressive seven-wicket victory away to Ardmore 2nd XI.
After losing the toss, Maghera were asked to bowl first and made an excellent start. An opening spell from Anu Sanjeewa and Denton Cant put Ardmore under early pressure, reducing the hosts to 9/2 after just 7.1 overs. A sharp run-out from Surya Amaravadi and an excellent catch at second slip from Alfie Stewart provided the early breakthroughs.
Ardmore responded with a strong third-wicket partnership of 103, but Maghera regained control with a series of wickets following the drinks break. A particularly important catch from Kenny Irvine on the boundary removed Ardmore's dangerous Gibi Babu (72), leaving the hosts 128/5.
Another partnership followed, but Maghera's bowlers continued to work hard on a relatively flat wicket, restricting Ardmore to 211/9 from their 40 overs. Denton, Surya and Abhi claimed two wickets apiece, with Anu taking one, while Alfie and Ratan also contributed with the ball. The bowling effort was well supported by some excellent fielding throughout the innings.
Chasing 212, Maghera were confident the total was within reach on the pitch and outfield. Muhammad Zeeshan and Denton Cant provided the platform for the successful chase, putting together an excellent second-wicket partnership of 113.
Muhammad continued his strong contribution with a well-made 52 before departing, while Denton produced an outstanding unbeaten 85. Surya Amaravadi then provided the finishing touch with a quickfire unbeaten 40, guiding Maghera to victory with six overs to spare.
A composed and determined performance from Maghera, with excellent contributions in both innings ensuring another valuable victory on the road.
Ardmore 2nd XI - 211/9 (40) def by Maghera 1st XI - 212/3 (34)
Written by Scott Dougherty (Club Captain)
Maghera 2nd XI vs Newbuildings 3rd XI - League 4
Saturday 15/8/26 - The Rainey
Maghera 2nd XI produced an excellent all-round performance at the Rainey, securing a convincing 104-run victory over Newbuildings 3rd XI.
Batting first, Maghera made a strong start as Benji Cathcart and Sean Bentley put together an opening partnership of 69. Benji batted with authority, scoring 45 from 49 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
After Jamie Reid added 11, Charlie Mainwaring took control of the innings with an outstanding unbeaten 70 from just 48 balls. His innings included four fours and six sixes as Maghera finished on 189/4 from their 30 overs.
Newbuildings struggled to build momentum in reply, with Graeme Stevenson producing an excellent spell of swing bowling to put Maghera firmly in control. He finished with outstanding figures of 4/17 from his six overs, while Glenn Baird provided excellent support at the other end.
Charlie Mainwaring and John Andrews added further wickets before Luke was introduced and produced an excellent spell under pressure, taking 3/5 to complete the rout. The performance was particularly pleasing for Luke, who claimed his first League 4 wickets for the 2nd XI.
Newbuildings were eventually bowled out for 85 in 24 overs, giving Maghera a comprehensive 104-run victory. A disciplined batting display, followed by an outstanding bowling performance, ensured a thoroughly deserved team victory, with significant contributions throughout the side.
Maghera 2nd XI - 189/4 (30) def Newbuildings 3rd XI - 85 (24)
Written by Roger Talbot (2nds Captain)
Maghera 3rd XI vs Ballyspallen 3rd XI - League 6
Sunday 16/8/26 - Allen Park
Maghera 3rd XI faced a difficult afternoon at Allen Park, with damp conditions making the match challenging for both sides.
Having won the toss, Maghera elected to bowl first and initially kept Ballyspallen under control as they made a steady start. The visitors gradually increased the scoring rate as their innings progressed, with Maghera unable to capitalise on a number of chances in the field.
Kenny Irvine was the pick of the Maghera bowlers, claiming 2 wickets during an excellent six-over spell. Henry and Danny also impressed with the ball, producing some promising spells of spin in the difficult conditions.
Chasing Ballyspallen's total, Maghera made a positive start, with the upper order helping the side keep pace with the required run rate through the opening stages. However, following the dismissal of Kenny Irvine, wickets began to fall regularly as Ballyspallen held their chances and applied increasing pressure.
Maghera were ultimately unable to maintain the required scoring rate and finished around 100 runs short of the target. Despite the result, there were several positives to take from the performance, particularly the contributions from the younger players. A special mention also goes to Paul Gregg, who made his first full appearance for the club and contributed to the team's efforts throughout the afternoon.
Ballyspallen 3rd XI - 223/2 (30) def Maghera 3rd XI - 135 (23.2)
Written by Phil McClay
Comments