A BATTLING Bangor came up just short when they welcomed Leinster side Laois to Upritchard Park in the second round of the Irish National Cup.
Bangor handed out two debuts on Sunday, with 14 year-old Felix becoming the latest addition of McMillan first team players at the club. Also making his first Bangor appearance, though slightly more senior in age, was former New Zealand multi-format international Ian Butler.
Bangor lost the toss and were inserted to bat in overcast conditions. Jonny Parker was removed caught at point early in the innings, bringing the debutant McMillan to the crease. Felix looked comfortable in his first appearance, carving a four through the covers. He was unlucky not to get more runs as he was caught on the edge of the ring. This was no doubt the first of many innings to come for the 1st XI.
Adam McCusker and Gareth McCullough continued to accumulate runs well and added a lusty blow when necessary. McCullough departed for a well made 36 in the 21st over, leaving Bangor 93-3. McCusker looked set for another half century before he was removed a mere over later as Butler and Manav Chhabra arrived at the crease.
The cool composure of Butler and Chhabra’s approach to batting served as the perfect tonic for one another. A mix-up at the crease led to the spikeless Butler falling over and being run out in the damp conditions. He was followed by Chhabra a few overs later and Bangor found themselves 154-6.
Zach Kerr was the last significant contributor with a well made 17 in his fourth game of the week. The innings ended with a controversial run out of Daniel Rayner, who was looking in great nick heading into the final couple of overs, as Bangor were all out for 175.
Laois weathered an early storm of swing from Chhabra and Chris Pyper. The total progressed to 93 without loss until young Rayner claimed an outstanding caught and bowled off a swirling high ball. Rayner’s bowling provided the catalyst for the innings and Pyper picked up three wickets in an energetic return spell with a Jonny Parker run out adding to the pressure.
Angus Farrell’s economical bowling earned him a great wicket caught at short third man and Chhabra reaped the rewards of skilful bowling with an lbw shout to pick up his first wicket. Unfortunately, the purple patch came too little too late as Laois squeaked over the line to advance to the next round.
Despite the defeat, there were so many positives for Bangor. Individuals stepped up when called upon and the team showed a togetherness that few teams could rival. Better days are ahead for this Bangor side, who return to league duties with a trip to Armagh on Saturday.
