Lewis century seals Derriaghy survival as Cregagh face anxious wait

Craig Lewis produced a magnificent unbeaten century as Derriaghy secured their Section One survival with a 27-run DLS victory over Cregagh at Queensway.

The home side were in early trouble at 21 for two, with Ross Bailey and Matt Scoble both falling cheaply, but Lewis completely transformed the innings. He smashed an unbeaten 104 from just 60 balls, striking five fours and 10 sixes, and shared a crucial 144-run third-wicket stand with Ryan Beckett.

Beckett made 44 from 46 deliveries, providing the perfect foil as Lewis launched a brutal assault on the Cregagh attack. Derriaghy finished on an imposing 180 for three from their 20 overs, with Danny Cooper the pick of the visitors’ bowlers with two for 18.

Cregagh never really managed to get on top of the chase despite several useful contributions. Peter Davison gave them early momentum with 39 from 27 balls, while Alastair Watt made 23 and Oliver Fleetham struck a lively 28 from 15 deliveries, including three sixes.

Ross Bailey, however, kept Derriaghy firmly in control with an excellent spell, taking four for 24 from his four overs. Ross Glover claimed two wickets, with Lewis and Wayne Hughes also striking. Cregagh reached 142 for eight from 19 overs before the contest was decided by the DLS method, leaving Derriaghy celebrating survival.

For Cregagh, though, the tension is far from over. They must now wait on the outcome of Sunday’s postponed Cooke Collegians versus Donacloney Mill fixture. A Cooke victory would spell relegation for Cregagh and see Holywood take their place in Section One next season. Derriaghy can breathe easily, but for Cregagh it promises to be an anxious weekend.