Limavady won convincingly by 109 runs against a very spirited Glendermot 2nd XI. Ivan McMichael, LC&RFC, CRICKET team manager stated that – ‘the team had plenty of ability but no belief – This however has now been dispelled and the proof is in the winning of this, Intermediate Cup. Whilst this is a nice distraction the ultimate goal is to win the league and gain promotion and move forward.’ The Qualifying 3 cup match was hosted by Burndennett Cricket Club of which Limavady, Team Captain, Simon McMichael would like to thank Burndennett for their hospitality and the grounds men for the preparation of the wicket and outfield in the inclement weather conditions – all very much appreciated and the umpires for the match Noel Ward and Billy Boyd. Limavady won the toss and chose to bat. Both teams were fairly evenly matched after the first innings with Glendermot leading by five runs. In the first innings a Limavady partnership started well – Simon McMichael and Graeme Simpson scoring jointly 42 and then Warren Deans steadied the batting gaining 27 followed by Ivor Lapsley batting a solid 41, this batting was then shattered by Gareth Watson who gained a hatrick of wickets raising hopes for Glendermot. Their batting rose to the challenge with M Henderson and A L Lynch top scorers of 71 and 49 respectfully. The second innings was anyone’s game. The Limavady partnership started well – Simon McMichael and Graeme Simpson scoring 68 and then two run outs left the score at 80 for 3 off 20 overs – unsteady start. But, Limavady bats men contributed consistent valuable scores Simon McMichael – 17 & 70, Ivor Lapsley – 41 & 30, Graeme Simpson – 39 & 25 over both innings. The bowling had to make their mark on Glendermot’s batsmen and they did. The star was undoubtedly, Paul Blackburn who deservedly won ‘Man of the Match’ for the 7 wickets taken in the match. ‘The wicket really suited the bowlers’ stated Paul who was delighted with his achievement. Over both innings other major contributions were: Warren Deans batting 27 & 2 wickets, Ivor Lapsley consistent batting & 3 wickets, Raymond Miller 1 catch & 2 wickets, Perry Semple 2 good catches & 2 wickets, Peter Kennedy 1 catch, our wicket keeper and of course our scorer Johnnie Hunter. – A good team effort by all. Limavady Team Captain, Simon McMichael stated ‘We had a great game played in good spirit and are looking forward to our next league match.’ ‘I’d like to thank the team for all their efforts; everybody played their part- a good team effort. G Simpson, S McMichael(capt), W Deans, I Lapsley, P Blackburn, J I Semple, W Calderwood, P Kennedy(wk), P Harkin, R Miller, P Semple, G McAleese Last but not least, one man who would have loved to have been there – this one was for you Dominic O’Brien’.
