Thirds book semi-final place
Ballymena 3rd XI booked their place in the semi-final of the Minor cup with a comfortable 7 wicket win away to Derriaghy. Bowling first, with the twin left-arm attack of McIlroy and Monteith, Ballymena made early inroads into the home side’s batting. Monteith took 1 wicket with McIlroy finishing with 3 for 13. They were ably backed up by the luckless Harry Cook and young leg spinner Ethan Archer who claimed 4 for 42 in 8 overs. Murray Caithness, in his first game for the 3rds mopped up the tail with 2 for 22. Two pieces of fielding caught the eye with Harry Cook rolling back the years to take a sharp low catch and mark Monteith holding on to a diving catch in the deep to dismiss the Derriaghy captain.
Ballymena opened with Lytle and 3rds debutant Justin Jolly who put on 29 before Jolly was caught. Jeff Martin was next out for 16, bringing Alasdair Frazer to the crease. He didn’t hang about and soon powered his way past 40 with six 4s and two 6s. Skipper Lytle was finally out for 47 leaving Frazer on 43 not out and Brian McGookin not out on 0. The game was notable for the friendly spirit in which it was played and the raspberry and white chocolate scones served up for tea.
