Important win in title race

With Saturday's game against North Down washed out along with the rest of the league fixtures, this was an opportunity to record an important win in the title race.

In the picturesque setting of The Meadow, Waringstown produced a much-improved performance after the disappointment of the previous week's reversal at home to Instonians.There was little in the pitch for the seam bowlers, but McCallan and Gary Kidd, the Ireland international spinners, certainly received plenty of assistance.

McCallan (4-18) and Kidd (3-28) shared seven wickets as the home side were dismissed for 105 in 46.4 overs. They were assisted by some excellent fielding, particularly from Jamie Matthews who was a revelation after returning the wicketkeeping gloves to captain Jonathan Bushe. Bushe himself was in good form behind the stumps as he completed two smart stumpings.

There were also wickets for Victor Mpitsang, Charley Crasborn and Lee Nelson as Downpatrick failed to get going at any stage. Four batsmen reached double figures, but extras was their top score with 23.

A par score here was closer to 200, although Downpatrick did make a breakthrough as Matthews drove loosely across the line to James Magowan and was comprehensively bowled.

Nelson, still trying to discover his best form, was run out attempting a second with McCallan. It was perhaps a risky run in the circumstances but it was a brilliant piece of fielding in the deep from James Magowan.

However, that was the last semblance of a scare for the villagers, as McCallan, looking fully recovered from the injured finger that prevented him batting against CIYMS in last weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-final defeat, hit three boundaries in an unbeaten 50.

With captain Jonathan Bushe continuing his fine recent batting form with an unbeaten 23, the third wicket pair added 57 to take Waringstown home with more than 23 overs to spare.

Waringstown certainly took no delight in adding to Downpatrick's relegation troubles. The Meadow remains the rightful home of the Challenge Cup final, and the villagers enjoyed returning to Strangford Road after a two-season absence.