Michael Rankin hits 118 as St Johnston defeat Strabane

Michael Rankin starred on Saturday as St Johnston claimed an excellent Premier League win over Strabane, but the Donegal side were beaten in a Sammy Jeffrey Shield semi-final on Sunday.

On Saturday, St Johnston defeated Strabane by 170 runs in the North West Cricket Union Premier League.

The Saints reached 255 for the loss of six weeks in 39 overs. Rankin posted an excellent 118 not out. Rankin’s tally included eight 4s and six 6s.

Graham McCarter made 45 before being bowled out by Ryan Gallagher, while David Lapsley had racked up 43 when he was put out lbw by Reshwanth Kanala and Deepak Reddy made 21.

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“It was just an incredible experience from start to finish we were put into the paddock between Jonatha Rea and Toprack and to be honest, I was a little nervous initially, but once I settled in I tried to treat it like any other race weekend,” Irwin said

In reply, St Johnston skittled Strabane out for 79 runs in a little more than 22 overs.

Scott Devenney, Graham McCarter and David Anthony each claimed three of the Red Caps’ wickets while Rankin accounted for Mark McNulty lbw.

On Sunday, Jack Macbeth tallied 60 runs as St Johnston reached 155 for the fall of five wickets. Macbeth was stumped by Benjamin Johnston after James Bell’s bowl.

McCarter posted 34 and Lapsley scored 18.

The game was beset by a series of rain delays and the Foyleside men suffered a two-wicket defeat by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

In chasing down a reduced target in the last over, Coleraine clipped 141 runs with Scott Campbell hitting 79 before Rankin run him out.