09/09/2026
Last Sunday, the Armagh Cricket Club 3rd XI made the trip to Queensway, to do battle with their Derriaghy counterparts in a winner takes all Northern Cricket Union Junior 6 league encounter. Quite simply, the victors would stay up, the other would face relegation.
Batting firsts the hosts amassed a very competitive 172-7 in 25 overs. Robin Brown (67), led the way ably supported by Alfie O’Neill (54). For the visitors, Oscar Steenson, starred with 3-21, as the young left arm spinner, not for the first time this season, made the breakthrough at appropriate times. Josh Wilson and Adam Wilson claimed one each, however it was Ricky Dobbs who deserves special acclaim taking 2 for 16 as first change bowler claiming scalps at vital moments.
Armagh appeared confident, in their run chase, boasting a strong batting line up. However wickets continued to fall at untimely moments as some players were dismissed just as they looked to be set. Adam Wilson (20), Ryan Hetherington (30), Ashley(19) Ryan McCarter(16) and the “season find” Gareth Steenson who top scored with a hard hitting 36.
In the words of The DOCTOR (Aka Paul Wilson) “Armagh teams never make it easy!” And his words certainly rang true as Armagh slipped from 44-0 to 112-4 to 158-8! However young cool heads at the end, proved decisive, as the last wicket pairing of Josh Wilson and Daniel Beggs seen Armagh to victory, the latter punching a well timed cover drive to the ropes, to secure the narrowest of winning margins, one wicket.
The 3rd XI for successive seasons performed “The Great Escape” and secured another season in NCU Junior 6. A special thanks must be extended to the travelling supporters, and canine friends, who made the trip to Derriaghy to cheer on the team. Thanks guys as always! ONLY AT THE CC!
👍👏🎉💙🐶