Downpatrick II's hosted Laurelvale at the Meadow in the Quarter Final of the NCU Intermediate Cup this past Saturday. After an impressive 147 run victory in the previous round, confidence was high in the Downpatrick camp, with a semi-final place awaiting the winner. Downpatrick won the toss and chose to bowl.

Stand-in skipper Jeremy McCready opted for an opening bowling partnership of Luca Rea (0-18) and Ricky Gill (2-5), each bowling six high quality overs. Wickets began to tumble as Downpatrick introduced spin into the bowling attack, in the form of Philip Lennon (5-28) and Phil Moreland (2-29). Laurelvale eventually slumped to 81 all out, with only their captain Lawrence Edgar offering any form of resistance, scoring a fine 50.

In response, Downpatrick reached the required target relatively comfortably, despite four wickets being lost along the way. Openers Donald McKee (7) and Jeremy McCready (14) provided a solid start to the Downpatrick innings before being dismissed. They were soon followed back to the pavilion by Paul Linehan (7) and John McIlroy (4), before Carl Mullan (12 n/o) and Ricky Gill (14 n/o) steadied the ship to take Downpatrick to victory.

This victory now sets up a mouthwatering fixture between Downpatrick and fierce local rivals Saintfield in the semi-final of the Intermediate Cup, due to be played at the Demesne on 16th July.