Lurgan crush Cregagh to stay firmly in promotion hunt

Lurgan kept their promotion challenge firmly on track with a crushing nine-wicket victory over Cregagh after producing a dominant all-round display.

Cregagh were never able to build momentum after being asked to bat, eventually being dismissed for just 94 as Liam Doddrell and Darwish Nazari tore through the batting order.

Captain Bob Moore offered the only sustained resistance with a patient 35 from 78 balls, striking four boundaries, but wickets fell regularly around him.

Doddrell was the chief destroyer, finishing with superb figures of five for 23, while Nazari was equally effective in taking four for 22 from his 10-over spell. Callum Gibson claimed the remaining wicket as Cregagh lost their final six wickets for only 14 runs.

Lurgan then made a mockery of the modest target, racing to victory in under seven overs.

Jaydee Oliver led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 53 from only 24 balls, smashing six fours and four sixes.

Captain Stephen Johnston was almost as destructive, hitting six boundaries in a rapid 34 from 14 deliveries before being caught and bowled by Ben Browne in an opening stand of 64.

Doddrell completed an excellent individual day by striking the winning runs as Lurgan reached their target in double quick time to seal an emphatic victory and maintain the pressure on their rivals in the promotion race.