Downpatrick 1st XI lost out in a close fought battle with near neighbours Drundrum on Saturday in Dundrum.

The visitors won the toss and elected to make Dundrum bat first. Initially this looked like a good decision as a combination of tight bowling  (Justin Rea conceded only 9 runs of his 6 over opening spell) excellent fielding and a slow outfield restricted Dundrum to only 93 runs at drinks with 3 wickets down. The Dundrum professional was well set at this stage and went on to make a fine 73 out of a final Dundrum total of 189 with Downpatrick conceding over 30 runs in extras and this was to prove crucial in the final analysis. Top wicket takers for Downpatrick were Colin Magowan (3 for 27) and Danny Carson (3 for 41)

The Downpatrick innings once again got off to a terrible start and they had lost 3 wickets with only 11 runs on the board and at that stage a comfortable victory for Dundrum looked likely but with James Magowan playing very sensibly the Downpatrick innings began to get back on track but too many of the Downpatrick batsmen got themselves established only to get out playing more aggressively than the situation required and despite a great effort from the middle order Downpatrick finished all out for 174 – losing by 15 runs. Top scorers for Downpatrick were James Magowan (46) & Gavin Ringland (36).

On Sunday the Downpatrick match at home to Derriaghy was washed out after only 3 overs.

The only other match to take place in a rain affected week was on Tuesday evening when the U13’s completed a fine victory away to North Down U13’s in the Banoge Cup. Downpatrick batted first and scored 99 after their 20 overs with top scorers being Charlie Power (39), Paddy Browne (15) & Matthew Porter (10). In reply North Down fell short by 15 runs with the best of the Downpatrick bowlers being Charlie Power (2 for 22), Jack Montgomery (1 for 3) & Jonny Perry (1 for 10). Downpatrick now face the winners of the Cliftonville / Waringstown clash.