On a fine Saturday afternoon at Lough Shore, Enniskillen played host to County Sligo Cricket Club for their second official match of the season. The more experienced Sligo side emerged victorious from a competitive encounter.

Sligo opted to bat first in slightly overcast conditions but refused to let this hamper their strokeplay.

Shots were played around the ground by their openers with plenty of aggressive boundaries being scored in the early overs.

65 runs were added until wickets by Cadden and Pattison checked the Sligo approach.

Chances spurned

Further runs were added by the Sligo middle order in a similar fashion, although chances were created by the Ernemen, just not seized upon.

Sligo had reached the 16th over at 162-3, but a quick collapse took place following some fine bowling from Lodge, Pattison and Kenny Maxwell. The Sligo middle and lower order were quickly bowled out for 172 from 22.4 overs. Pattison finishing his five overs with a remarkable 4-17.

Enniskillen’s response got off to a tricky start with the loss of quick wickets in the top order.

Cadden steadied the ship with a patient 14 but couldn’t find a partner to help move on from. Lodge provided some excellent counter-attacking play towards the lower order, including a huge six within a fine score of 20, being supported by McFarland (11*), adding an excellent 21 for a last wicket stand. Enniskillen were bowled out for 80 from 22.2 overs.

Sligo winning by 92 runs was not a fair reflection on the day of the game, with some excellent play by both sides making the contest closer than the result suggests.

The experience of the Sligo team came through but they were tested by the Enniskillen team throughout.

A return fixture was proposed and agreed to be played for later in the season with a great environment for competitive cricket being played out by both teams.