Downpatrick 1st XI began their season with two friendly fixtures at the weekend, on Saturday (22nd) they entertained Premiership side CIYMS, and Cliftonville were welcomed to Strangford Road on Sunday (23rd). Downpatrick won both matches convincingly and this should boost their confidence for the opening league fixture this Saturday when they travel to face local rivals Saintfield.

CIYMS were defeated by 73 runs on Saturday with Downpatrick batting first and recording a total of 222 after their allotted 40 overs – this included an immaculate 100 by professional Muhammad Farrukh (who retired having passed his century) and 39 from Dale Mullan. CIYMS were always struggling to reach the target especially having lost both opening batsmen with only 12 runs on the board with James Magowan capturing both wickets. CIYMS were eventually all out for  149 with both Danny Carson and Ben McIlroy picking up two wickets each.

M Farrukh   100 n.o.
D Mullan     39
J Cunningham 22

J Magowan 2 for 16
D Carson  2 for 29
B McIlroy  2 for 1

Downpatrick also batted first against Cliftonville but got off to the worst possible start, losing two wickets with the first two balls of the match and a third with only 24 runs on the board. This brought together team captain James Magowan and professional Muhammad Farrukh who shared a great partnership to take the score through to 136 before Magowan was caught at long on for a fine 62. Muhammad Farrukh followed up his century on the previous day with another excellent innings of 63. James Cunningham also passed his half century before being caught for 54. Gavin Ringland scored a quickfire 36 including 3 massive 6’s and young Ricky Gill also cashed in with a fine 33 to leave the Downpatrick total on 292 after the allotted 35 overs a total that always looked too much for the beleaguered Cliftonville team.

The Cliftonville openers started steadily but never looked like chasing down the formidable total with tight bowling by the young Downpatrick opening bowlers Justin Rea and Ricky Gill well supported by a good spell from Phillip Moreland. Cliftonville eventually limped to a total of 181 after their 35 overs to fall short by 111 runs.

J Magowan  62
M Farrukh   63
J Cunningham  54

J Rea  1 for 21
P Moreland 2 for 30.

These were impressive performances by a young Downpatrick team  including 4 teenagers and augers well for the season ahead.