KILLYCLOONEY SMASHING IT

Killyclooney are another club who are building solid foundations, with one of the best youth set-ups in the North West. The club, which gave former Ireland captain William Porterfield his introduction to cricket, are now looking to unearth their next Irish international with an expansion of their youth cricket.

"Last Friday evening saw another busy night at Killyclooney kids cricket, as Ground One held the Under 11s, 13s and 15s training, along with the ladies team practice," said a Killyclooney club spokesperson. "Our adjacent second ground featured our newly formed Under 15 girls play out a close fought encounter with Fox Lodge.

"The kids at the club have been working hard over the winter months, honing their skills each Friday night in Artigarvan Hall. Training moved outdoors when the season started, under the watchful eye of club professional Keenan Viera, and Chairman Keith Buchanan.

"We are hosting the Cricket Ireland 'Smash It' programme later in the summer, and we are fortunate to have an enthusiastic and ever-increasing group of five to nine year-olds already attending each week.

"It's a real joy to see the kids giving their best, while making friends. There are lots of hard work, lots of fun being had.

"Would you like your child to get into cricket? Follow Killyclooney CC on Facebook to keep up to date with the North West's 'friendliest club', and join us for youth training on Friday evenings."

Killyclooney have always been at the forefront of youth development and it's great to see they are continuing to work hard on youth development at Ballyheather Road.

Their senior team almost had a famous win on Saturday as they came close to knocking out holders Donemana in a rain-affected Senior Cup clash. Cody Mehaffey thumped a superb 70 from just 51 balls, including four fours and six sixes. He shared a crucial seventh-wicket stand of 60 with Alan Colhoun, who blasted 31 from 21 deliveries, hitting four sixes. Tim Dougherty added 27 and Alfie Moan 20.

Teenager Roy McGerrigle starred with the ball, taking 4-33, while Melvin Deveraj impressed with 3-17. Donemana's reply was finely balanced at 130-4 when rain intervened. Tom Riddles struck 40, while Awais Zafar was unbeaten on 47, featuring seven fours and two sixes. There were a few nervous glances at the DLS calculations, but Donemana were 11 runs ahead and progressed, leaving the underdogs desperately unlucky.