North Fermanagh 1st XI delivered a commanding performance on Saturday as they secured a comprehensive 116-run victory over Maghera 1sts at home.
The result lifts Graeme’s side to second place in the league and strengthens their campaign as genuine title contenders.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first in cold and damp conditions, North Fermanagh got off to a steady start thanks to an assured opening partnership.
Vice-captain Rawal led from the front with a composed and technically sound innings of 46, anchoring the top order and setting the tone for the rest of the line-up.
He was well supported by middle-order stalwarts Nishant and Badar, who both went on to score fluent half-centuries (54 runs each).
Their partnership helped accelerate the scoring rate through the middle overs, combining solid stroke play with aggressive intent to push the total towards the 200 mark.
Despite the damp conditions and disciplined Maghera bowling, North Fermanagh compiled an impressive 238 all out, setting a strong target.
In reply, Maghera struggled from the outset against a fiery North Fermanagh bowling attack.
The new-ball partnership of Badar and Bilal applied immediate pressure. Bilal, although unlucky not to take a wicket, delivered a miserly spell- four overs for just seven runs- cramping the openers for space and scoring opportunities.
Badar, fresh off his batting heroics, was relentless with the ball as well, claiming 3 key wickets, including a well-set opener and two middle-order batsmen. His aggressive line and length broke the visitors’ rhythm early.
Yasser delivered one of the standout bowling performances of the match with figures of three wickets for just 20 runs in eight overs. He dismantled the middle order with a mix of pace and accuracy, ensuring Maghera could never build momentum.
Nishant continued his all-round display with two wickets, picking off lower-order batters with smart variations, while Graeme and Faris chipped in with a wicket each to clean up the tail.
Maghera were eventually dismissed for 122, handing North Fermanagh an emphatic 116-run victory.
It was a clinical, well-rounded team effort from the hosts- strong performances with the bat, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding throughout.
On Sunday, North Fermanagh Second XI recorded an emphatic eight-wicket win over Burndennett Seconds, thanks to a brilliant all-round display from Wasif and a clinical team performance with both bat and ball.
Burndennett batted first and finished their innings on 145 for 8 from 30 overs. North Fermanagh’s bowlers were disciplined throughout, led by Wasif, who returned outstanding figures of 4 for 14 from his six overs.
Jai supported well with tight bowling and a wicket to his name, while Duffy delivered his best spell yet, conceding just 10 runs and building pressure throughout his spell.
Basit and Iqbal bowled smartly in the middle overs, maintaining control despite a few dropped catches that allowed Burndennett to add more runs than they might have.
The fielding highlight came from Duffy, who took a superb high catch on the square leg boundary to remove the dangerous Ben Logue- a turning point in the innings.
Chasing 146 for victory, Basit opened the batting and gave North Fermanagh a solid start with some fluent stroke play, punishing any loose deliveries.
At the other end, Wasif played with maturity and confidence, building his innings patiently before exploding in the final stages.
Wasif remained unbeaten on 60, including 6 fours and 4 sixes, guiding North Fermanagh to 146 for two in just 21 overs- sealing the win with nine overs to spare.
A dominant showing from North Fermanagh, with Wasif’s all-round brilliance and Duffy’s fielding heroics stealing the spotlight.
North Fermanagh would also like to wish Declan McGettigan of Burndennett a speedy recovery after he sustained an injury during the game.
A special word of thanks goes to EE Haulage and BD Arborist for their generous matchball sponsorship, highlighting the valuable role local businesses play in supporting grassroots sport.
The club was also deeply honoured to receive a beautifully crafted bench donated by the Morrison family in loving memory of Anthony James Hopkins, a devoted North Fermanagh supporter and familiar presence at matches.
The bench was presented to the club by David and Alison Morrison, pictured with the 1st XI during the touching presentation.
Anthony’s support and spirit will be fondly remembered and missed by everyone at the club.
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