Ollie Thorpe

North Down II defeated Muckamore II by nine wickets to win the 2019 GMcG Junior Cup at Lisburn Cricket Club. This was North Down's 10th Junior Cup triumph and their first since 2013.

Martin Moreland was the star of the show for North Down, claiming 5-21 in the first innings. He was supported well by young Finlay Keenan (2-21), Tim Carson (1-28) and Peter Shields (1-3) as North Down bowled Muckamore out for 98 in the rain-reduced innings. Luke Allen top scored with 26 for Muckamore, with Arnold Oduvelil (14) and David Rainey (12) the only other men to make double figures under grey skies.

A revised target of 100 off 35 overs was set for North Down. There were 12 balls bowled in the chase before a lengthy rain delay. The delay meant saw the innings reduced to 22 overs and a new target of 74 was set, with North Down resuming on 11-0. Hamilton Coulter (37*) and Ian Arthur (16) combined to put on 61 for the first wicket before the latter fell to David Steen in the 11th over.

By then the damage had been done and Stephen Scott (12*) joined Coulter to see North Down over the line.

The two sides meet again in the league next weekend at The Green and Muckamore will be seeking revenge to keep their Junior League One hopes alive.

Match Summary

Stephen Houston from cup sponsors GMcG presents the MotM award to Marty Moreland (North Down II)		NCU President Richard Johnson presents the Junior Cup to Peter Shields of North Down II
North Down II winners of the Junior Cup 2019

Photo credit: Ollie Thorpe