Two defeats for Millpark Seconds

The first of these was in the Minor Cup away at Muckamore, the second at home to Lisburn in the league.

On Saturday, Millpark’s visit indeed ended in them bowing out of the Minor Cup but it will be positively remembered by two members of the Tullylish team. Firstly opener Stuart McCart played magnificently as he went through to his second career century. 

Runs were hard to come by due to the long grass on the outfield which restricted the run of the ball. McCart’s answer was to run quick singles or to go aerial and his hundred was generously applauded by teammates and opponents alike. Millpark finished on a healthy but not unbeatable 171 runs.

The highlight of the second innings from a Millpark point of view was the bowling of young Harry Lockhart. Aged just 11, Harry was the pick of the Millpark bowlers taking three wickets from his four overs. He showed accuracy and maturity beyond his years, and looks a real prospect for the future.

In honesty, Muckamore’s reply was never in serious danger of failing. From the off they batted positively, and reached their target from just 28 overs. 

Sunday saw the team revert to the league for the visit of Lisburn. Batting first, Stuart McCart was again the pick of the home batsmen but although his 32 was a noteworthy contribution, unfortunately only his opening partner Robbie Hubert could offer any real support with his score of 19.

After their opening stand of 58 the rest of the batsmen could only bring the total up to 116. Defending such a modest total was always going to be tough. To be fair to the team though, they stuck to their task to delay the inevitable.

Eventually they were beaten by the better team by seven wickets, McCart completing a memorable weekend with two of the three wickets to fall.