Maghera cricketers make history!

A monumental weekend for Maghera Cricket Club as the 1st XI, brought home the club’s first ever piece of silverware, winning the League 2 Cup Final against Newbuildings 2nds by 7 wickets at Foyleview.

Across two days of hard-fought cricket, the contest had everything: tight bowling, key fielding moments, rain delays, and a nerveless run chase to seal an unforgettable triumph.

Day One saw Maghera elect to bowl first, restricting Newbuildings to 177/9. Surya Amaravadi (23/3 from 8 overs) and Anu Sanjeewa (16/2 from 3) were excellent with the ball, with Scott Dougherty and Christo Tom chipping in with key wickets. Chasing, Maghera replied with 175/6 thanks to Trevor Dougherty (59), Anu Sanjeewa (42), and Aaron Stewart (36) keeping the side right in the contest.

Day Two mirrored the first, Newbuildings again reaching 177/9. Aaron Stewart led the attack with 23/3, ably supported by Scott Dougherty (24/2).

A superb direct hit run out by Abhimanyu Thayakkattil and a brilliant boundary catch by Matthew Caulfield turned the tide.

Connie McAllister presents L2 Cup to Maghera skipper Alfie Stewart

Set 180 to win, Maghera batted with control and confidence. Anu Sanjeewa (76 off 81) produced an inspirational innings, backed by Matthew Caulfield (28)* and Scott Dougherty (30)*, who finished the job in style after a rain delay threatened to spoil the party. When Scott struck the final runs with a 6, history was written – Maghera’s first ever senior cup success.