Ballaghaderreen, June 29, 2025

In a gripping Connacht League Division 1 fixture, Athlone Town Cricket Club 1st XI emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-wicket win over Ballaghaderreen Cricket Club 2nd XI at the Ballaghaderreen Cricket Ground.

The encounter, played under clear skies and high stakes, proved once again that the old adage “Catches win matches” holds true—thanks to an exceptional fielding performance that tipped the scales in Athlone’s favour.

Opting to bowl first, Athlone wasted no time in applying pressure. Gaurav Sharma delivered a devastating spell, finishing with astonishing figures of 5 wickets for just 15 runs in 8 overs. support from fellow bowlers:

• Uttkarsh Mishra: 2/23 (7 overs)
• Chaminda Amarasinghe: 1/22 (6 overs)
• Priyesh Kadge: 1/15 (7 overs)

Vinod Pradeep made a crucial breakthrough, removing Ballaghaderreen’s top scorer Quasim Hafeez (37) just as he looked settled, swinging the momentum Athlone’s way.

Fielding Heroics Seal the Deal

Sujeet Kumar took a stunning catch at point—already being dubbed a contender for “Catch of the Season.” Vignesh, Shashank, and Abhilash were equally sharp, patrolling the inner circle like seasoned pros—taking sharp catches and preventing key singles throughout the innings.

Ballaghaderreen were bundled out for a modest 83 runs, setting the stage for a nervy but manageable chase.

Solid Stand Steadies Athlone After Early Stumble

Athlone’s reply got off to a shaky start, finding themselves at 23/3 under early pressure. But composure from NJ Chandradasa (20) and man-of-the-match Gaurav Sharma (24) turned the tide. Their 54-run partnership calmed nerves and laid the platform for a successful chase.

The winning run to seal victory with three wickets in hand—a second win in three matches for Athlone Town CC this season.

Gratitude and Momentum

Athlone CC extended their heartfelt thanks to Ballaghaderreen Cricket Club for their warm hospitality and sportsmanship.

This match also highlighted the community effort behind the club’s success. Athlone CC expressed gratitude to local partners and sponsors – Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT), SPAR, Zinkworks, and Starbucks Athlon for their vital support in nurturing a thriving cricket culture in the region.

With momentum building and team chemistry strengthening, Athlone Town CC 1st XI will be one to watch this season.

Final Score:
Ballaghaderreen CC 2nd XI — 83 all out
Athlone Town CC 1st XI — 84/7 (Victory by 3 wickets)