CRICKET: Seconds continue on their impressive run

Having won the toss, Coleraine decided to bat on what appeared to be a glorious batting wicket. This decision was soon rewarded as Wilson Torrens (132*) and Paul Douglas (49) eased their side passed the hundred mark, peppering the boundary with some exquisite shots in the process.

On 49, Douglas was bowled by Donnell, however, Brigade’s misery would only get worse with the arrival of Vishal Chopra to the crease. Chopra (61) and Torrens continued to build on Coleraine’s impressive start and a score of well over 300 seemed on the cards. Coleraine stuttered slightly in their last 10 overs, as once Chopra was dismissed, the wickets of Wallace, McCartney, and Barnes followed in quick succession.

Despite this, the magnificent unbeaten century from Torrens led Coleraine to an impressive 306-5 off their 50 overs. Coleraine’s total was always going to be a tough ask to chase down, and when Kyle Martin and Jared Barnes snared an early wicket each, Coleraine took firm control of the game. Douglas then removed the dangerous Waterstone for a duck to strengthen their control.

An impressive partnership between Snedgrass (65*) and Donnell gave the hosts a glimmer of hope, however, when Ammar Malik (3-7) was introduced to the bowling attack, he produced a string of searing Yorkers to decimate the Brigade tail. Brigade were bowled out for 127 in only 25 overs as Coleraine continued their good form.

After the game team manager Nigel Barr said: “We knew it would be a tough game against a quality opposition, having said that I always believed that if we played the way we were capable of we would win.”

Coleraine travelled to Fox Lodge on Saturday looking to build on their recent impressive performances. Having won the toss, Coleraine elected to make Fox Lodge make first use of what appeared to be a slow, green wicket. Some tight early bowling was soon rewarded as wickets continued to fall regularly.

Jared Barnes and Kyle Martin had stifled the Fox Lodge batting line up, paving the way for Andrew Douglas (4-26) and A. Malik (2-19) to rip through the middle order. Douglas was at his usual accurate best, producing three unplayable deliveries, including two brilliant Yorkers. Fox Lodge stumbled to 102 all out, as Coleraine’s bowling attack was once again aptly supported by some brilliant fielding.

After a few words of encouragement from manager Nigel Barr, Coleraine set about what should have been a comfortable run chase. Stephen McCartney (23) and Wilson Torrens got Coleraine off to a solid start, however, the wickets of Torrens and Chopra in quick succession reminded the away side that no run chase can be taken lightly. McCartney was joined by Peter Wallace, and together they carried Coleraine towards their target.

McCartney was eventually dismissed by a sharp delivery, which took the shoulder of the bat on its way through to the wicket keeper. Wallace continued to stroke the ball to the boundary finishing on 43*, as he and Steven Harper (11*) eased Coleraine to their target within 22 overs. This was another impressive win for Coleraine as they look to build on their good run of form.