|
Five Star McCarter Puts Knights In Total Control Against Lightning
Cricket Ireland Graeme McCarter's five wicket haul put the Northern Knights in a totally dominant position against Leinster Lightning on the second day of their Hanley Energy InterProvincial clash at Clontarf. McCarter - making just his second appearance for the Knights following his move to the NCU - took 5 for 24 as the defending champions were skittled for just 77. The former Gloucestershire man showed the value of bowling a full length, getting movement both through the air and off the seam. It was McCarter though who dominated the innings - his victims included a trio of Irish internationals, namely John Anderson, Andrew Poynter and Eddie Richardson as Lightning imploded to their lowest total since the competition restarted in 2013. James McCollum (1-9) accounted for George Dockrell, while leg spinner Jacob Mulder (2-4) wrapped up the innings with the wickets of Jamie Grassi and Yaqoob Ali in the space of just three balls. Not surprisingly Knight skipper James Shannon enforced the follow-on with a lead of 294, but just two balls of the remaining 12 overs were possible before a combination of bad light and light rain forced an early close. Earlier in the day, Shannon's marathon effort was ended on 85 - he'd faced an incredible 283 deliveries in a master class of concentration. Shane Getkate and Graeme McCarter batted positively to add 96 in 112 balls, with Getkate hitting 7 fours and a six in his unbeaten 64, and McCarter clearing the ropes twice in an entertaining 43. With 371 runs in the bank, Knights certainly benefitted from scoreboard pressure, but they will certainly not have it as easy tomorrow (THUR) against a Lightning side determined to maintain their unbeaten record in the format. Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Championship Northern Knights 1st inns 371-8 dec (J Shannon 85, N Smith 77, S Getkate 64no, G McCarter 43, J Holmes 25 L Nelson 23; G Dockrell 2-52, P Chase 2-57, J Carroll 2-61) |
|
© Northern Cricket Union
|