CRICKET | Rain puts a halt to Dundalk’s charge against Mullingar
Club holds its annual table quiz this Thursday night
There was frustration for Dundalk’s cricketers last Saturday in Dromiskin when rain halted their charge for victory against Mullingar, with the game finely poised.
The visitors batted first and put up an excellent score of 259–7 in their 40 overs. The total was largely thanks to a fine 160 from Cavon Hall who was backed up by Mark Condell, who hit 51, with the pair sharing a stand of 185 for the third wicket.
Things had started well with skipper Andrew Williams taking a wicket without a run on the board and when Andrew Pike got the second wicket with just 40 on the board, Dundalk had high hopes of restricting Mullingar to a total under 200.
However, that big partnership put Mullingar in the driving seat in this Division 10 game and although wickets did start to tumble after hall was dismissed off the bowling of Pike, 259 was a hefty total.
Pike finished with three wickets, with both Williams and young Abdul Moeed getting two wickets for their efforts.
Dundalk’s reply started shakily, with both Andrew Pike and Sajan Jayaseelan departing without scoring a run.
The home side were grateful to opener Jiwan Jodhani for steadying the ship and he played a number of his trademark ‘wristy’ flick shots on his way to an unbeaten 30. Jiwan is currently enjoying his best run of form in his eight seasons playing for the town.
Andrew Williams too was in good form and after just falling short of a half-century in the defeat to Clondalkin last week, he did get his 50 up this time and it was a vital innings for his team.
He fell soon after for 55, but with hard-hitting danger man Regin Samuel joining Jiwan at the crease, Dundalk were well placed at 100–3 with 20 overs still remaining.
Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas and rain meant that neither side could force a win. Dundalk will hope their fortunes, and the weather, will change on the trip to Longford at the weekend.
Quiz Night
The club holds its annual Quiz Night at Byrne’s on Hill Street on Thursday night, May 25th. It costs just €20 for a table of four, and the quiz — which is General Knowledge so non-cricket fans will not be stuck — starts at 8pm sharp. All are welcome for this important fundraiser.