BANGOR progressed to the second round of the Irish National Cup with a thrilling last-over win against Limerick at Upritchard Park.
The local team chased down 228 with four balls to spare in a dramatic run chase led by a masterful 80 from Sam McMillan and a composed finish from Gareth McCullough and captain Andrew Kirkpatrick.
With regular skipper Johnny Parker ruled out due to injury, Kirkpatrick took the reins and led from the front—despite losing the toss.
Sent into the field, Bangor quickly made an impact. Manav Chhabra was electric early on, striking in the second over with an LBW before clean bowling the next batsman to leave Limerick floundering at 15 for 2 after five overs.
With support from Connor Brown and disciplined bowling across the attack, Bangor kept things tight, earning a third wicket through George Prince after sustained pressure.
Post-drinks, Bangor continued to chip away, with William Simpson striking thanks to a smart catch from Angus Farrell at long off. However, the middle overs saw Limerick recover, their batsmen accelerating and capitalising on dropped chances.
Bogavelly led the charge, bringing up a well-earned century before falling to Christopher Pyper in the final over. Limerick closed on a strong 228 from their 40 overs—a target that could easily have proved decisive.
But Bangor’s reply was nothing short of sensational.
Openers Sam McMillan and Mark Hutchinson put on a 100-run partnership with elegance and authority. McMillan’s fluent 80 came off just 46 balls and included nine boundaries, while Hutchinson anchored the innings with a well-crafted 67. Together, they laid the perfect platform, delighting the home crowd and keeping Bangor well ahead of the required rate.
After McMillan’s dismissal, Connor Brown added a quick 16 before falling, bringing McCullough to the crease. With the game in the balance, McCullough and Hutchinson kept the scoreboard ticking before the latter was eventually dismissed. That set up a fitting finale, as Kirkpatrick and McCullough—former Ulster Schools teammates—guided Bangor home in the final over.
McCullough hit the winning runs, sealing a famous cup victory and sparking celebrations on and off the field.
Bangor will now host Laois in round two of the Irish National Cup on Sunday, June 8 at Upritchard Park. But before that, they return to league action this Saturday with another home fixture, this time against Ballymena.
