Barry Chambers, 2 September 2001

Limavady relinquished their crown on Sunday when they crashed to a 136 run defeat against fellow challengers Brigade. In a game which was also played on the mat Brigade were put in to bat, a ploy used successfully several times by Limavady against Brigade this year. William Wilson was clean bowled by Richard McDaid for a duck in the first over. He was a late replacement for John Browne who was unaware that the game had been brought forward to 12 o clock. However after his early dismissal skipper David Cooke and Pakistan test player Wajahatullah Wasti added 194 for the second wicket with an exhilerating array of strokes. Wasti struck 6 fours and 2 sixes in his 99 off 108 balls before he gave Mark McDaid a low return catch.

David Cooke was not going to be denied as he reached a well deserved century making 101 not out off 144 balls. His knock contained 7 fours and 1 six. Brother Gordon took the total beyond the reach of Limavady as he scored 36 not out off just 19 balls. He took advantage of the short leg side boundary hitting 4 sixes although one was a rather fortuitious top edge which flew over the wicket keepers head. Brigade were obviously delighted to end on 255 for 2 in their 45 overs.

Having been on the wrong end of so many close games this season Brigade would have been a little wary but they were handed a massive boost when Decker Curry was clean bowled by Mark Simpson for 4 playing a shot I'm sure he would rather forget. This was just the boost that Brigade needed while Limavady were clearly deflated by the early loss of their inspirational skipper. Wickets then fell at regular intervals with Ian McGregor driving straight to Wasti off Graeme Moore for 13, and Andy Christie falling caught behind by Alan Rutherford off the same bowler for 2. Iftikhar Hussain perished when he attempted to lift Ivan Nicholl out of the ground but only succeeded in being caught by Nicky Cooke for 14. Richard McDaid threatened briefly before being clean bowled by Graeme Moore for 23, and brother Mark who has been in superlative form of late perished in the deep being brilliantly caught by Mark Simpson who made a lot of ground to give Ivan Nicholl his second wicket.

The introduction of Gordon Cooke into the attack saw him account for Ian Smyth, Craig Hartin and Simon McMichael in quick succesion, although he was bowling at reduced pace off a shortened run up due to niggling injuries. When Wasti finally had Graeme Wells caught behind for 25 with the score on 119 there was finally smiles on the Brigade camp who have suffered such agonies this season. They will now be checking the weather forecast all week as will I expect Donemana.