Downpatrick II's played host to Donaghcloney II's at the Meadow this past Saturday. Downpatrick, coming off the back of last Saturday's Intermediate Cup semi-final victory, were in desperate need of a win to kick-start the league campaign, which had seen just two victories from six matches.

Upon winning the toss, Donaghcloney opted to bat first. Downpatrick's opening bowler Pete Bell claimed three early wickets from his first bowling spell to leave the visitors on 25-3 after just 8 overs. Some excellent middle order batting steadied the ship for Donaghcloney, who advanced to 110-3 before Richard McIlheron claimed a fourth wicket for Downpatrick.

Spinner Phil Moreland was introduced into the bowling attack, and it was he who turned the tide of the match in Downpatrick's favour. In just the second over of his spell, Moreland dismantled the Donaghcloney middle order with a hat-trick. It was a superb piece of bowling from the spinner, who later went on to claim a fourth wicket and finish with figures of 4-20.

There were further wickets for Gareth Rea and a fourth for Pete Bell, who ended with figures of 4-37. Donaghcloney were eventually bowled out for 157.

Downpatrick's response was strong; Ricky Gill and Paul Linehan pushing Downpatrick to 40 before Gill was dismissed. Carl Mullan joined Linehan at the crease and the two pushed Downpatrick to within touching distance of the total, before Linehan was bowled just one short of his half-century. Mullan advanced to 39 before being caught behind.

Aaron Ferris (16 n/o) and Phil Moreland (13 n/o) steered Downpatrick to a comfortable 7  wicket victory.