Albion retains Marshall Smith trophy

• Published date: 05 November 2021

The Mungas took their first win of the season on Saturday, beating Glenavy by 156 runs at Centennial Park to retain the hotly-contested Marshall Smith Memorial Trophy.

Smith, who died in 2016, played cricket for both Albion and Glenavy through the years and the trophy was introduced in his memory in 2019.

Albion player Ricky Whyte said there were a few players in the team who had played alongside or against Smith, and he had explained the trophy’s significance to others .

‘‘Being the first win of the season was pretty special as well, and for Marshall, it certainly adds a bit more.’’

Glenavy won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Albion found itself in ‘‘a little bit of trouble’’ early on, until Amal Asok took control, finishing not out on 130 runs. Albion batted out its 50 overs, finishing 272 for 7.

‘‘When Amal came in, him and Stu [Slack] put on a wee partnership, and then him and Matt Finn kicked on. It was a pretty special innings from him,’’ Whyte said.

Asok, who joined Albion this season, was a ‘‘young fella’’ and his innings was impressive.

In return, Albion shut down Glenavy, as the country club was all out for 116 in 25 overs. Ross McCulloch (35) and Rodney Van Leeuwen (27) were the best for Glenavy.

Albion bowler Luke Duncan turned up in ‘‘fine form’’ snatching a five-wicket bag, and Anthony Docherty contributed three wickets too.

It was a good team performance from Albion, and the club was stoked, Whyte said.

McCulloch said the memorial match was always a ‘‘pretty big game’’ for Glenavy, and it was always important to play in Smith’s honour.

Albion was...