DUNDRUM lost both games and yes the were under-strengthed writes Jeff Maquire but it was the manner in which the batsmen simply don’t apply the basics with Sunday’s defeat in The Meadow as bad as I’ve seen.
At 95 for 2 they lost 8 wickets for just 18 runs as seven were clean bowled. Muckamore section one champions undefeated with 16 straight wins agreed a pre-arranged toss as the villagers had 8 of the first team unavailable but it  was no surprise that Rahi Kakade went on the the attack hitting Captain Neil Gill for 16 in his first over but it was Gary Nicholl’s superb opening spell that did the early damage with 3 for 4 in ten straight overs that included 7 maidens.
Dundrum in fairness grafted out a score of 103 with Kakade 17,  and the veteran Derek Bailey grinded out 21 with good support from Trevor Long and young Andrew Foster 13 hitting two nice shots for six with Luke Allen. Luke is a name for the future as the 12-year old leg spinner took 3 for 20.)
Muckamore went after the weak bowling attack and took only 14 over in chasing the 104Â losing just 2 wickets with Trevor Long getting his first wicket for the seniors and Andy Bratten top scoring with 30.
Carrick were the visitors in The Meadow on Sunday and again it was a masterclass from indian Rahi Kakade who has single handidly kept Dundrum in the section as with over 1200 runs. He is definitely a superb attacking player who dominates the bowlers.
Richard Hood took 2 for 28 but at 95 for 2 in 18 overs a total of 170 plus was surely the target.  But when Joel Maguire was unlucky to be adjudged lbw for 19, the innings crashed big style as Kakade followed for another exciting knock of 68. Cariick had ex-Irish international Ryan Eagleson who proved to quick for the young tail taking 5 for 21 and South African Loius Delport 2 for 31 as the inning closed in dramatic fashion for of the last five all bowled without scoring.
Dundrum leading wicket taker Mark Yeates has been superb all year with no one more commited to play or practice.  He bowled Gilmore with his third ball and Rahi Kakade bowled Burton for 8 with Carrick 30 for 2. But Kiwi Micky Taiaroa is another exciting attacking batsman but he was missed twice but he made them pay with super shots to all areas with 59 not out with 9 boundaries and a six with the other professional Loius Delport 36 not out as they cruised home in only 17 overs.
But it was worrying again that as soon as Dundrum were safe from relegation the commitment is embarrassing to say the least,  and no doubt with Lurgan, Bangor and Holywood in the section next year Dundrum will be big favourites for relegation. On the plus side when they have there best side on the pitch they can beat anyone especially with the superb all rounder Rahi Kakade coming back.  The hunt is on to strengthen the squad as there is seven sections between the  first and second team cricket.
It makes it very tough for the good, up-and-coming junior players, but they will become better players with more experience. The last game of the season is away to Downpatrick in the local derby so hopefully they can get a stronger team out for this always keenly contested game.
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