Thirds progress in Minor Cup

Ballymena CC 3rds progressed comfortably into the ¼ finals of the Minor cup with a 6 wicket win over Muckamore in Antrim on Saturday. Former Ballymena player, Ivan McCombe, now captaining Muckamore 3rds, won the toss and elected to bat but the home side were soon in trouble as James Russell picked up a wicket in the 2^nd over. That was to be the start of what was a steady fall of wickets with only McCombe temporarily frustrating the Ballymena attack, while never managing to score freely. Andy Craig and Adam Whitehurst were playing in their first game this season and both were successful in their first overs, Whitehurst snaring McCombe with a beautiful inswinging yorker. Muckamore were finally dismissed for just 70 runs off 37 overs with the wickets shared among all the bowlers with Cook, Craig and Campbell getting two apiece.

Ballymena’s reply got off to a shaky start with McNeill caught behind in the forth over and Gillespie following in the sixth. Brian McGookin was soon caught for 10 and skipper Lytle was disappointed to be given out caught behind for the same score. Number 5, Paul Campbell was then dropped off a dolly catch, a mistake which would cost Muckamore dear. Campbell, who has yet to be dismissed this season, was joined by Jasper Jolly and together they steered last year’s beaten finalists to a quarter final tie away to Derriaghy. Jolly finished on 26 not out which included 2 huge sixes. Campbell finished 16 not out.

The thirds have no game next Saturday but will continue their league campaign at home to North Down on the 19^th June.

Ballymena Bowling – (I don’t have the names of the Muckamore players)