The Hills Vs Carrickgergus Bob Kerr ISC (May 8th 2010)
The Hills v Carrickfergus
Games in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup are awaited eagerly by the Irish cricket community because of the opportunities which they provide for the renewal of rivalries, friendships and acquaintances. On Saturday last, The Hills CC travelled to Middle Road, Carrickfergus to play the local team which was welcoming back Paul Stirling from 20/20 World Cup duty with Ireland. Carrickfergus won the toss, and elected to bat. Controlled, accurate bowling from Naseer Shaukat and Max Sorensen had Carrickfergus in trouble early in the game, with Shaukat being particularly effective as the home side was reduced to 29 for 3. This pressure was maintained by The Hills bowlers and fielders, with wickets being taken by Malcolm Byrne (3 for 35), Albert Van der Merwe (2 for 15), Jeremy Bray (1 for 25), and Max Sorensen (1 for 27). The only significant contributors to the Carrickfergus score of 168 all out were Richard Stirling (27) and the former Irish international, Ryan Eagleson (61*).
The Hills opening partnership of Bray and Van der Merwe was watchful and circumspect, with few risks being taken, and they moved the score to 85 when Bray was caught by Eagleson off the bowling of Kernahan. The Hills skipper, Mike Baumgart, came in a number 3, and he and Van der Merwe knocked off the required runs with panache and style. Van der Merwe ended on a score of 81 not out, and his skipper contributed an undefeated 40.
This was a superb team performance by The Hills, with all departments contributing efficiently to the win. The reward for this win is an away game against Pembroke in the next round which will by played on 12 June.
Elsewhere the club had a fine weekend with all teams claiming honours;
The Third X1 had a fine win against North Kildare who set a target of 152 with Ajaz Farooqui delivering a great spell of bowling taking 5 wickets for 37 runs. Ajaz opening the batting for The Hills set about making short work of reaching the target scoring a terrific 41 but was ably assisted in his task by Darren Byrne 49 not out, Andrew Moore 16 and Jason Magee 31.
The Fourth X1 faced Bagenalstown on the home turf at Milverton. The Hills, having won the toss, decided to bat first and put on a big score of 247. Paul Butler putting on a fine display with an undefeated 108. The target was just too much on the day for the opposition and eventually they were held to 203 in reply
On Sunday the Fifth X1 played hosts to Civil Service. Batting first The Hills set the target at 164, Byrne 39, Cook 50 and Tolan 22 accounting for the majority of the runs. Paul Butler had a great spell with the ball taking 3 wickets for 11 and was greatly supported by the two Maritz brothers who took a further 5 wickets between them. Civil Service were all out for 132 giving The Hills a winning margin of 32 with 3.1 overs to spare.
Also on Sunday the Under 11's had a good win over Phoenix.
