The 14-year-old wrote his name into cricket folklore when he eclipsed David Milling’s 125-year record as the youngest player to appear in the cup final, but it was his stunning catch on the boundary to dismiss Allen Coulter off Kyle McCallan that brought every Waringstown supporter to their feet and sparked the celebrations.
It was a brave fight by Civil Service North who took the early honours after McCallan won the toss and elected to bat. The Belfast team restricted the Villagers to 190 for eight and at the interval most people felt the total was well within their reach. The doughty McCallan (63) was their batting star and with Lee Nelson (36) and Johnny Bushe (34) they scrambled to set a reasonable target after a disappointing last 15 overs that squandered a strong position. Credit for that should go to Nigel Jones and his team for tight bowling and excellent fielding to set up their great opportunity to win the match.
Their hopes fell on the shoulders of their top batsmen Gary Wilson, Marc Ellison, Andy Cowden and skipper Jones, but it was a totally focused Waringstown team that took the field after a teatime rollicking from skipper McCallan. One major innings may have been enough to win and they got off to a great start with an opening stand of 36. But then it all went wrong as Keith Morrison struck the two decisive blows that removed Wilson and Cowden in quick succession and everything fell apart as Lee Nelson tore through the middle order. Seven wickets fell for 39 and the contest was over long before Dennison’s outstanding boundary catch.
Waringstown were worthy, if relieved winners, and they remain on course for a remarkable treble.
The other winners were Lisburn Cricket Club after putting on a show that was worthy of their 175th Anniversary celebration coupled with the 125th Anniversary of the formation of the Northern Cricket Union. Wallace Park was resplendent and the large crowd and handsome compliments were fitting accolades for Cecil Walker, Gary Blair, Dean Simpson, Shirley Simpson and the rest of the Lisburn hosts who staged a final worthy of the occasion. Both captains were rich in their praise and a beaming NCU President and Ulster Bank sponsor Neil Cooke carried out their presentation duties with aplomb.
The crowd was one of the best for years and the Civil Service North members deserve a pat on the back for their enterprise in setting up their own hospitality section, which is an idea that other clubs should follow the future.
Waringstown won without three of their established players, including the amazing Obus Pienaar, but it didn’t show because they have young talent in their squad and one of them, Lee Nelson, picked up his first Man-of-the-Match Award, although the decision must have been close after such an inspirational all-round performance from Kyle McCallan.
Next up is the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup and we wish them every success against Brigade next Saturday.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
