Agonising three-run defeat for Seconds in cup semi-final

Ballymena Second XI missed out on a place in the final of the Intermediate Cup after an agonising three-run defeat by Woodvale at Eaton Park on Saturday.
Cricket.Cricket.
Cricket.

Aiming for a first Intermediate Cup success since 1999, the home side won the toss and decided to bowl first against a Woodvale side who are currently second in the league table and chasing a spot in Junior one.

The first 10 overs certainly belonged to the home side with Jack Gibson taking two early wickets. Jack’s first wicket was a caught behind taken by Neil Fullerton and the 46 year old reminded everyone that he remains one of the top wicketkeepers in the NCU, taking a low diving catch to his right.

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Woodvale fought hard though to get back in the game and some missed catches and opportunities by the home team proved costly as they approached the drinks break.

After drinks, Andrew Craig and Richard McNeill were brought into the attack and brought stability and accuracy greatly needed by skipper Stephen Colgan, who was playing his first game back from knee surgery. In the end Woodvale closed their innings with a total of 213.

In reply, Ballymena started well with both Colgan and Gibson taking on Woodvale’s opening bowlers, punishing anything short or wide.

Gibson who is enjoying a good season with bat and ball, certainly has the potential to develop into a good opening batsman.

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Both openers enjoyed a partnership of 65 before Colgan was trapped LBW for 31 and Gibson followed shortly, bowled for 27.

Another strong partnership was formed by Peter Gregg and Nicholas Jolly. Both batsmen played with great flair with young Jolly scoring heavily on the leg side while Gregg took the more direct approach hitting straight.

Heading towards the target of 213 comfortably, the turning point came when Jolly was given out LBW for 43, a disputed decision as the ball seemed to hit the batsman high in his stance.

Gregg continued to score well, however players and spectators could sense the momentum in the run chase slowing and when the 35th and 36th overs went for very few runs, and wickets tumbling fast, Woodvale scraped home by three runs.

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This was a crushing defeat for the home side, who had put a lot of effort into their preparations during the week.

Peter Gregg was certainly the pick of the batsmen ending up with 57, an innings that included six fours and two sixes – an innings to be proud of.

The focus now for Colgan’s men in the remaining weeks of the season must be on the league, and remaining in Junior Two.

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