Carrick played their first T20 Cup group match v Derriaghy on Friday night at Middle Road, and a sizeable crowd saw them winning by a very convincing 78 run margin, in a match sponsored by Tennents (NI).
Carrick batted first and explosive innings from South African professional Pat Botha and Ryan Eagleson enabled them to post a a formidable 172 for 4 in their 20 overs. After Michael Gilmour and Botha had got them off to a good start with a 61 run partnership in 9 overs, Carrick lost 3 quick wickets, but when Eagleson joined Botha, the spectators were treated to a superb display of stroke-play in the final 7 overs. The pair added a further 90 runs, with Botha reaching his 50 in 37 balls and finishing unbeaten on 81 off 52 with five 4’s and six 6’s. Eagleson’s strike rate was even more impressive with 49 off only 24 deliveries, his innings containing five boundaries and three maximums.
In reply Derriaghy had no answer and when they lost ket men Aphale and Lewis cheaply they were content to bat out the overs, finishing on 94 for 9 in their 20 overs. Michael Armstrong, Anthony Martin, and Stephen Grant each picked up two wickets for Carrick.
