The newly reformed Enniskillen Cricket Club’s first competitive match for 28 years took place on Saturday against a Victoria Select XI from Lurgan. It was quite the milestone for Enniskillen playing on their new home ground at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School for the very first time.

And for player and committee member Kenny Maxwell, who was part of the last Enniskillen team to play a competitive game, it was a surreal day.

“Saturday was never about the result, it was about Enniskillen Cricket Club being back playing at the home ground again after 28 years. That was the big success of the day and it was quite emotional.

“It was almost surreal when Davy Cadden and myself walked out to open the batting. Once we got out into the middle it felt real as the first ball went zipping past me!”

It is all about baby steps at this stage for the club explains Maxwell.

“Obviously, long term we want to be playing in the league every Saturday but this year we just want to play five or six matches at ERGS and a few away games and a few clubs have already contacted us about playing.

“We are then hoping that next year we can enter the cup competitions in the North West.

“We are not ready to enter a league yet, we need to get a year or two under our belts before that and see where we are then,” he added.

On a slightly overcast afternoon, Enniskillen won the toss and captain Stephen Maxwell elected to bat first on an untried pitch.

Kenny Maxwell and David Cadden opened the batting with a carefully watched opening stand worth 21, before Maxwell hit one to mid-on. Captain Stephen Maxwell came in at number three with an agenda to keep the score ticking along at a good rate, adding another 23 with Cadden but tickled one to a fielder for four.

David Cadden was then unfortunate to receive a ball that didn’t lift fully to be bowled for 10. Rob Turner was dismissed for four with Nick Hambly and Nick Foy seeing out the remaining overs to both finish not out, with Hambly taking some momentum into the change of innings with a crisp drive down the ground for four with the final ball of Enniskillen’s innings.

After the refreshment break, Naveed Memon opened the bowling and had immediate success.

With the first ball of the innings, a shot across the line resulted in a spectacular catch by Stephen Maxwell at silly mid-on to spark celebrations that will live long in the memory.

Tight bowling from Tadgh Hambly and Nick Foy kept the run rate down before the Victoria batsmen opened their shoulders and made some excellent scoring shots whilst giving chances that were not taken by Enniskillen.

Jack Feist and David Coalter couldn’t find the breakthrough that was required which allowed the Victoria team to edge closer to their target. Matthew Turner took a well-deserved wicket, bowling the batsman following some good pressure.

The match was over following a six hit back over Coalter’s head, but it was not a deserving end to a game that was tighter than the scorecard might imply.

Match result: Victoria won by 8 wickets

(Enniskillen 74-4 from 20, Victoria 76-2 from 15.1 overs)

Following the match a trophy was presented by Victoria to Enniskillen to mark the occasion. Talks are underway to secure Enniskillen’s next competitive match as they look to become a cricketing force in the region. Meanwhile, mid-week training continues for the club who are still acclimatising to their new ground. Anyone interested in training with the club is invited to contact them on their Facebook page.