Newbuildings deepen Brigade’s misery with emphatic win

Newbuildings continued their relentless pursuit of silverware with a comprehensive 140-run victory over a Brigade side whose difficult season shows little sign of improving.

While Brigade produced a late charge to snatch last year’s title, this campaign is becoming one they will be eager to forget. Newbuildings, by contrast, remain firmly on course for a remarkable haul of trophies — seemingly intent on winning everything bar the Derry Feis.

Batting first, Newbuildings posted 300 for eight, built around a superb unbeaten century from Gareth McKeegan. He struck 101 from 79 balls, including 10 fours and seven sixes reaching the landmark from the last ball of the innings.

Peat Salmon made 43, Mark Hanna added 39 and Jared Wilson contributed 38 as the visitors steadily took control.

Brigade’s reply never gathered momentum. DD Barr made 18 and Ryan Macbeth 17, but regular wickets left the Beechgrove side struggling.

James Smallwoods provided the only sustained resistance with an aggressive run-a-ball 51, featuring six fours and three sixes.

Salmon was once outstanding with the ball, claiming four for nine from 10 overs, including three maidens. Jared Wilson took three for 31 and Josh Wilson collected two wickets against his old club as Brigade were dismissed for 160.

On a more serious note, thoughts and prayers of the entire North West cricket community and beyond are with Johnny Thompson and his family, with his mother seriously ill in intensive care at Altnagelvin Hospital.