DAVY THE DESTROYER
There was only one story on Saturday night as the cricketing fraternity tuned in to the “Miracle of Waringstown’ as Donemana broke the Irish Senior Cup record chase, making 359 to knock out a shell-shocked Waringstown, the competition’s most successful side with six wins.
Despite half centuries from DJ Dougherty, Anuj Jotin and Raymond Curry, the odds were still against the Tyrone side with big hitter William McClintock hobbling, and 50 runs needed from the last three overs.
Enter stage left David O’Sullivan whose 66 from 22 balls, including five sixes in an over from home professional Daniel van der Merwe, sealed a win for the ages.
“We always knew it was doable, given the lightning-fast outfield at the Lawn, and with how the white ball tends to fly around the pitch,” said O’Sullivan. “We went in with a positive attitude, got a good start, and the confidence and belief grew. The required rate grew and it was a bit dicey when I came to the middle. My mindset was that I’m going to hit the ball as hard and as far as I can. If it’s in my area, it’s going. I didn’t hit everything as cleanly as I’d like, but those that did came out well and were important.
"I’ve developed a lot of power over the years and do time the ball well, so when it comes off it can be a very potent combination. I will back myself to clear any boundary on a cricket pitch.”
The draw hasn’t been kind to Donemana with another away day at one of the competition’s powerhouses, Merrion.
“That win has given the club massive confidence, and depending on Irish selection we could well have Andy McBrine back in our ranks for that, making us even stronger for that game.”
The aftermath of the night’s celebrations were still evident midweek when we spoke at the club. But not for O’Sullivan who rarely drinks. “The bus was just crazy on the way back with the celebrations. I just stuck to water and protein shakes, being one of the few sober ones having to watch their shenanigans!”
Donemana’s title defence has begun well, but they have a tough match on Saturday as they face Bready.
“We will be positive again. We’ve started the season well and want to continue that momentum. Just keep doing what we’re doing, improve, score quickly and take wickets. With the depth and quality in our line-up we are really happy as a group and that’s reflected in our play at the minute.