Larne learn lessons at Lurgan

It was one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong, from arriving late (due to schools cricket), to losing the toss, to dropping simple catchs and Larne certainly paid a heavy penalty with Lurgan plundering 308 runs in their 50 overs.

The main highlight in the field was a superb opening spell from Ken McKinley, taking 1 for 27 in his 10 overs and bowling a couple of yards sharper than for several seasons.

Michael Waterman was also outstanding behind the stumps and Stephen Morton’s ground fielding in the deep was excellent.

However, the overall performance in the field was hugely disappointing with at least six catches going to ground and simple errors regularly costing runs.

On the positive side, it was an indication of the character of the youngsters involved that they all kept trying through the entire 50 overs. Kristian Humphrey’s leg spin showed some real promise and the spells by Richard Hood and Zach Weatherhead at the end of the innings, in extremely difficult circumstances, will surely prove an invaluable experience in the years ahead.

It was also noted that, with some practice, Jonathon Hodge’s left-arm slow bowling could be a useful asset as the season progresses.

With the game effectively over before Larne even batted, it was difficult for the batsmen to be motivated against a smug fielding unit and against the general feeling that everyone simply wanted the game to be over. In those circumstances, it was no surprise that Larne were dismissed for only 111 runs, but it is to the credit of Waterman and McKinley that they took the fight to the opposition and perhaps exposed the limitations of the Lurgan bowling unit.

Waterman stroked an effortless 40 at the top of the order and McKinley looked like he could have batted all day as he finished on 27 not out.

On Saturday, Larne travel to Saintfield in the first round of the Intermediate Cup. This game is likely to be a more realistic baramoter for how Larne are likely to fare for the rest of the season and the team will be hoping for an improved all-round performance.