James Magowan’s men traveled Banford Green this past Sunday for their most recent NCU League Section 1 match against Millpark. Unbeaten in four matches, and just 24 hours after crushing Saintfield by 9 wickets, the men from the Strangford Road were confident of turning over a Millpark side that have only recorded two victories this season.

Weather conditions were far from ideal for both sides, with rain showers forecast for the duration of the afternoon. With that in mind, skipper Magowan opted to put his side in to bat upon winning the toss.

The innings was just 8 overs long when opener Dale Mullan was dismissed for just 5 runs, leaving Downpatrick on 26-1. This brought Downpatrick’s Professional, and very own “run-machine”, Muhammad Farrukh to the crease. Farrukh was hoping to continue his phenomenal recent form, which has included two centuries and two unbeaten half-centuries.

What was to follow would be an incredible display of disciplined, and effective batting from the Strangford Road men.

Jeremy McCready, himself in a rich vein of form with the bat, scored a patient 39 runs before being caught out. Captain, James Magowan (0) and Paul Tate (0) were dismissed in quick succession before the returning Donald McKee joined Farrukh at the crease.

By now Farrukh had settled at the wicket, and it was not long before the now familiar half-century milestone came and went. McKee provided ample support, scoring many singles to allow Farrukh the freedom to bat with confidence.

Soon enough, Farrukh reached his third century in five games, taking just 81 balls to reach the three-figure milestone. McKee departed soon after for a hard-fought 26. Returning student Michael Carson joined Farrukh at the crease.

Amazingly, after facing just 20 more deliveries, Farrukh was celebrating his third milestone of the match, reaching 150 runs in 101 balls.

Farrukh continued in swashbuckling fashion for another 16 balls before being dismissed for a remarkable score of 185, a career best for the Professional – this included 21 fours and 6 sixes.

By now, Downpatrick were over the 300-run mark. With two overs of the innings to go, Michael Carson and Gavin Ringland went about adding more runs to a momentous total. Carson finished with a very impressive tally of 48*, Ringland with 9*.  Downpatrick closed out their innings with a huge score of 335-6.

Millpark’s response was far from ideal, losing vital early wickets to the bowling of Paul Tate and Luca Rea. The predicted rainfall soon arrived, and Magowan opted to introduce spinner Farrukh into the bowling attack – to maximum effect.

Farrukh, having one of the most impressive all-round performances seen in a Downpatrick shirt for years, returned bowling figures of 3-23 from his 10-over spell.

Excellent bowling figures from James Magowan (2-26 from 10 overs), as well as Gavin Ringland (1-21 from 6 overs) and Michael Carson (0-22 from 5 overs) guided Downpatrick to an emphatic 154 run victory, dismissing Millpark for 181. Notable batting performances from the home side came from Stephen McCart (72) and Ben Talbot (33).

This fourth consecutive league victory lifted Downpatrick to fourth place in the NCU League Section 1 table, and ensured that the current undefeated streak extends to 5 matches in all competitions.

Undoubtedly the star of the show in this match was Muhammad Farrukh, producing a breathtaking all-round display to continue his wonderful run of form in his second season as Downpatrick Cricket Club’s overseas professional.

Next weekend sees the return of League cricket to the Meadow, with two matches scheduled; Millpark travel to the Strangford Road on Saturday afternoon (12pm start), looking to avenge this weekend’s defeat. Sunday (12pm) will see Magowan’s men host Derriaghy in a twice-rearranged League encounter, meaning this match will be a Twenty/20 contest.