Fourths only team to beat the weather

BALLYMENA Fourths were the only one of the club's sides' matches to survive the weekend weather, as they comfortably disposed of Cregagh Thirds in the first round of the Minor Qualifying Cup at Eaton Park.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st May 2010, 14:56 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2010, 15:20 BST

Having delayed the start for over an hour to avoid the rain, Colin McClean won the toss and decided to bat on a drying pitch.

Setting off at a blistering pace, McClean began as the team carried on, by putting away the bad ball before playing over a straight ball for a quickfire 15.

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This brought Stuart Watt to the crease to partner Ali Gibson and the experienced pair shared a display of patient but aggressive batting which saw them put on 160 together before Watt was out for 86, as he tried to hit the ball over the road into the Michelin complex!

Gibson continued to play with freedom before being out for 70, well caught in the covers. Stephen Healey kept the momentum up before Mark Monteith and Peter Gillespie saw the side to an impressive 250 for 4 in 40 overs.

Cregagh were never able to match Ballymena's run rate and the evergreen Paul Smith bowled with control and aggression, to set a fine example to the young Ballymena bowlers as to how to stop a run chase.

Ethan Archer bowled his leg spin with guile and great thought and Mark Monteith looked menacing throughout his spell. Mention must go to the superb fielding of Peter Gillespie whose enthusiasm and sheer athleticism was apparent to all.

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Cregagh could only muster 144 for 3 leaving the Ballymena side with a good 106 run victory.

This was a true team performance where every member of the team contributed to the win.

The team spirit and encouragement to fellow team members made the victory all the better, especially considering the weather conditions before the match. This blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm bodes well for the rest of the season.

The Fourths take a well deserved rest this week before recommencing their league campaign in two weeks' time.

BALLYMENA IV

C McClean b Adams 15

A Gibson c Porter b A Clarke 70

S Watt b Wilde 86

S Healey run out 18

M Monteith not out 9

P Gillespie not out 12

Extras 40

Total (4 wkts, 40 overs) 250

CREGAGH III

S Catterson b Barr 9

B Girvin b Archer 7

N Speirs not out 49

M Porter c&b Monteith 47

S Clarke not out 8

Extras 24

Total (3wkts, 40 overs)144

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Bowling: P Smith 8-3-9-0; T Foster 5-0-12-0; E Archer 8-2-22-1; C Barr 4-0-18-1; A Gibson 5-0-25-0; M Monteith 7-0-34-1; S Healey 3-0-15-0.

THIS WEEK

Ballymena's First XI return to league action against CSNI at Stormont this Saturday (1pm).

Neil Fullerton is back in to replace the unavaiable Andrew Kirkpatrick.

Team from: J Kennedy, D Kennedy, S McDowell, C Williams, G Fisher, M Glass, N Fullerton, M Purse, K Aphale, D Thompson, R Kennedy, W Cameron.