Bangor Lift Banoge Cup

Bangor were crowned Banoge Under-13 Cup champions after defeating Instonians by 15 runs in an entertaining final played before a large crowd at a sun-drenched Upritchard Park.

The home side laid the foundations for victory with a superb opening partnership of 99 between Oliver Campbell and Teddy McIlwaine, who matched each other stroke for stroke in a dominant display.

Campbell retired on 54 from just 34 balls, an explosive innings featuring six fours and three sixes, while McIlwaine reached his retirement on exactly 50 from 35 deliveries, striking eight boundaries. Their aggressive approach gave Bangor complete control of the contest before Louie Ferguson added a valuable 21 and Robbie Parker finished unbeaten on 13 to lift the total to an imposing 152 for 4.

Freddie Robinson was the pick of the Instonians attack with 3 for 39, while Henry Murphy also chipped in with a wicket.

Instonians' reply could hardly have begun worse as Charlie Holley and Oliver Campbell ripped through the top order, reducing the visitors to 23 for 4 and leaving them with a mountain to climb.

Robinson responded impressively with a spirited 21 before combining with Henry O'Neill in a determined fightback. O'Neill retired on an excellent 50 from 38 balls, peppering the boundary with 10 fours as the pair briefly revived Instonians' hopes.

Tom Livingston remained unbeaten on 22 and Archie Maxwell added an unbeaten 12, but the required run rate continued to rise and Bangor's disciplined bowling ensured there would be no late drama.

Holley finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 14 as Bangor restricted Instonians to 137 for 5, sealing a deserved 15-run victory.

Ian Houston presented the Banoge Cup to the jubilant Bangor players after a memorable final played in glorious sunshine, with Upritchard Park providing a magnificent setting for another excellent showcase of youth cricket.

Banoge (Under 13) Cup Final: Bangor beat Instonians by 15 runs.
Upritchard Park, 25 June.
Bangor 152-4 (20 overs; Oliver Campbell 54 ret, Teddy McIlwaine 50 ret, Louie Ferguson 21; Freddie Robinson 3-39)

Instonians 137-5 (20 overs; Henry O'Neill 50  ret, Tom Livinston 22, Freddy Robinson 21; Charlie Holley 3-14)