BURN, BABY BURN

It was quite the weekend for Burndennett who recorded back-to-back wins in the Championship following up their victory against Bonds Glen with a narrow 5-run triumph at promotion chasing St Johnston.

“Two huge results, very different styles, but equally rewarding,” was how player/coach Niall McDonnell summed up the displays. “T20 tends to be quite frantic, however there was never a panic, certainly Mark Pollock stayed extremely calm and focused.

“We had a plan which we stuck to. The stats of the last 40 balls determined the match. It was particularly encouraging as Bonds Glen had three of the best young bowlers in the union, in the two Sam’s (Kincaid and Haslett), plus Mark Robinson, not to mention the South African duo of Heinrich Roberts and Divan Posthumus.

“Sunday in comparison was more of a war of attrition, batting wasn’t easy, Graeme McCarter is someone who in my and many others opinion is someone who still should be featuring above inter-provincial level. David Anthony has assembled a well-motivated and talented side. We knew that 180 gave us something to bowl at on a wicket which offered something.

“Ross McCay is someone who I’ve rated so highly since his Irish youth days, he bowled a terrific spell. I’m not sure whether it’s because his dad was keeping an eye on him! I played in the same Strabane team as ‘Ski’ - he personifies a team player, wants everyone to do well, only knows how to give 100% but enjoyment is of paramount importance, you don’t wait long for your next laugh in his company.

“Sunday was a real team effort, the fielding was superb, fully committed to save every run. It was a bit of a 90’s reunion as coach Marty Deans had to come on to sub field, he sets a high bar and still can back up the talk. Looking at the bowling unit, everyone played their part, which the figures back up and St Johnston certainly made us work for the win, as you’d expect.

“The season has been one of peaks and troughs. In our geographical location it’s so difficult to attract players, but I’m delighted to see the players who keep putting in the effort reaping the rewards. There is a core of players who never miss training even at this stage of the season - not as big a group as Marty and I would like but they were crucial to those wins.

“Young Hayden Williamson is someone who has embraced the challenge and forced a way into the side, through commitment to training, desire to improve which has led to excellent performances for the 2nd XI.

“Hopefully we can build on these results, there are some great people at Burndennett, who do the groundwork, make wonderful teas and support the teams at all times. It’s a great feeling to produce results for them and maybe prove the naysayers wrong.”

Burndennett will finish the season with two home matches, entertaining Ballyspallen on Saturday, before their final game on Sunday week at home to champions Strabane.