Bonds Glen go top after Ballyspallen victory

Bonds Glen leapfrogged Ballyspallen to move to the top of the Championship table, for a few hours at least, after completing a convincing 58-run victory.

Batting first, Bonds Glen recovered from a difficult start which saw them lose Johnny Haslett without scoring and Danie Rossouw for a duck.

Dharm Singh made 20 before William McClintock and Heinrich Roberts rebuilt the innings with an important fourth-wicket partnership of 59.

McClintock struck five fours and five sixes in a powerful 55 from 54 balls, while Roberts compiled a patient 54 containing seven boundaries. Samuel Haslett added 25 as Bonds Glen reached 185 before being bowled out in the final over.

Stephen Kennedy led the Ballyspallen attack with three for 18, while Graham and Stuart Kennedy claimed two wickets each.

Ballyspallen’s reply never developed sufficient momentum after Pushpender Singh fell for a duck and in-form Hassan Shahid departed for 16.

Raveen Yasas made 30 and Graham Kennedy struck 28, but wickets fell regularly around them. Sam Kincaid produced the decisive spell, taking four for 30, including Jacob Blair, Curtis McElwee and Stuart Kennedy.

Dharm Singh completed a fine all-round performance with three for 41, while Roberts took two for 20 as Ballyspallen were dismissed for 127 in 35.3 overs.

'Spallen will be hoping for better fortunes in their National Cup semi-final against The Hills on Sunday.