Carrickfergus Cricket Club 1st XI had an excellent 33 run win over Armagh in an entertaining match which ebbed and flowed throughout at Middle Road on Saturday. An understrength Carrick side, missing professional Pat Botha with a broken thumb and Ryan Eagleson on holiday, after winning the toss and batting, were in trouble at 116 for 6 after 28 overs. Jack Burton, who has been in fine form this season was still there and was joined by Matthew McCord. The pair both made half centuries, adding 85 runs 16 overs for the 7th wicket. With the total just past the 200 mark, Burton was caught at slip for a superb 83 which included ten boundaries. McCord scored his first half century for Carrick, his 57 runs coming off just 55 balls and containing 5 fours and a six. Max Burton hit 3 sixes and two 4’s in an aggressive 35 off only 15 deliveries right at the end, as Carrick posted an impressive 268 for 9 at the end of their 50 overs.. After a steady start which saw 42 runs coming off the first ten overs, Carrick struck with the wicket of Gelston. Jamie Rogers who top scored with 67 and South African professional Shadley van Schalkwyk hitting powerfully shared an 89 run partnership and Armagh looked well on course at 132 for 1 after 29 overs. Off spinner Danny Cooper, who conceded only 20 runs in a tight 10 over spell, struck with the wicket of Rogers. Shortly afterwards van Shalkwyk was caught behind off Alex Haggan for 41. Once they were gone it was all Carrick, as the screw tightened and wickets tumbled as the asking rate climbed. McCord completed an excellent all-round game taking four wickets, as the visitors were all out for 235 in the 49th over.
