CRICKET: Larne make it four wins from four with win over Victoria

Larne posted a superb 212-7 with Trevor Dempsey top-scored on 38 runs with Chris Dempsey contributing 35.

Victoria’s response was limited by Larne’s bowling attack and they had been pegged to 68-3 when the heavens opened at Sandy Bay. On resumption the teams were informed that Victoria now needed 194 to win off 35 overs, meaning they required 126 off 15 overs.

The Lurgan side were given hope when their skipper began smashing fours and sixes all round the ground, but he fell for a well played innings of 67. The visitors finished on 158-7 (DLS par score 194), meaning Larne won by 36 runs.

Larne captain Gareth Gaw was delighted with his team’s performance, and after the game said: “I asked the boys for a complete performance. In our previous games we have done some aspects well and others not so well.

“On Saturday we batted, bowled and fielded like we know we can and but for an exceptional innings from the Victoria captain, the winning margin would have been much wider.

“We are back in Junior Cup action next week, when we host Muckamore 2nds, in what will be an extremely tough game, so all support is welcomed.”

Gaw’s accurate throw allowed Edddie Hunter to remove the bails with a Victoria opening batsman still two yards short of his ground. Aaron McKinley followed this up by bowling the other opener with an absolutely cracking delivery that clipped the top of off stump.

Chris Dempsey, in his first bowl of the season, was rewarded early in his spell with a wicket, courtesy of a catch from Wilson.

Later on McKinley returned to complete another fine spell from the young fast bowler, with figures of 1-21 off his 7 overs. Victoria’s impressive captain fell when Dempsey claimed a second wicket thanks to a catch of the season contender from Charlie Cloke.

Jack Campbell was rewarded with two wickets and Cloke took one, coming from a fine piece of glove work by keeper Dempsey who took a sharp stumping.