St Johntson defeated Killyclooney on Saturday to move up to fifth spot in the North West Championship – an important win for the Donegal outfit.
The St Johnston spin bowlers impressed as they climbed the table with four games to go.
Darren Moan won the toss for the professionally-strengthened Killyclooney men and decided to bat first. It was Moan and brother Giles who saw off the opening attack and set a strong platform, leaving them 73-0 off 20 overs before Jacob Maroske made the breakthrough for the Saints by removing Darren Moan for 37 LBW.
The Saints spinners then tore through the Clooney middle and lower order with 10 wickets falling for just 43 runs.
David Anthony finished with 4-16, Maroske ending 10 overs for an astounding spell of 3-15 and Josh Cole – back from South Africa – closed his spell on 3-31.
This left the Saints with 117 runs needed to secure another vital home victory.
Things got off to a good start as David Macbeth and nephew Jack Macbeth rotating the strike well, to give the Saints a solid platform of 36-0 before Jack fell lbw to Giles Moan.
After this the Saints batting line up looked frail as four wickets fell for the addition of just 38 runs mainly down to a superb spell from Giles Moan of 10 overs 3-15.
David Macbeth was joined by older brother Ian (the brothers are pictured above) and the two stood strong against some tight Clooney bowling and steered the Saints to a well needed and deserved victory.
Ian Macbeth finished on an invaluable 20 not out and David who carried his bat for a chance less 64 not out.
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