Stormont setback for Seconds

Attempting to defend a total of 172, Ballymena's lack of a specialised fifth bowler proved their downfall as the hosts recovered from 77 for five to win comfortably with more than ten overs to spare.

Captain Neil Fullerton was forced to open the bowling with off spinner David Thompson and although he performed creditably there wasn't the necessary support when Adair (50 not out) and Scholes (40) went on the offensive in a big hitting and ultimately match winning sixth wicket partnership of 67 from just 56 balls.

Fergus Taylor finished with two for 25 off ten, dismissing both openers in yet another promising spell, while teenage leg spinner Adam Jackson took his wicket haul for the season to 22, with three from 39 from ten.

Unfortunately though, Fullerton had to use occasional bowlers William Montgomery and Stephen Colgan due to a lack of options and CSNI took advantage to pick up only their third win of the season.

Earlier in the day, Ballymena were rescued from the depths of despair by veteran left hander, Jeff Martin, after they found themselves on 22 for three and 62 for six.

The former interprovincial batsman, struck a superb 81 that included seven fours, as he easily outscored anyone else in the visitor's batting line-up.

Only Thompson (21) - he added 87 with Martin for the seventh wicket - and Taylor (13) got into double figures and extras (37) was easily second highest scorer as the hosts threw down an amazing 29 wides.

So Ballymena remain in mid-table with six wins from 13 starts and next Saturday head to Bangor for a first meeting of the season with the Co. Down side.

THIRDS

Ballymena Thirds lost their third league game in a row but as skipper Andy Lytle looks back over the three games, he will feel that they should all have been wins.

The latest defeat came away to CSNI. The home team won the toss and put Ballymena in to bat on a damp wicket with conditions perfect for bowling. CSNI made good use of the conditions and had Ballymena in trouble at 42 for 4. Brian McGooken and Trevor McBurney then brought Ballymena right back into the game with a 74 run partnership for the 5th wicket.

McGooken was back to his hard-hitting best, smashing four 6s and three 4s on his way to 56. McBurney also looked to score quickly as did Mark Monteith batting at 7 but with these three all out, the innings faded and Ballymena were all out for 150.

The CSNI reply got off to the worst possible start when Monteith took a wicket with his second ball thanks to a brilliant reaction catch from McGooken.

Ballymena were then frustrated as 95 runs were added for the 2nd wicket with the ball flying through the air but never close enough to the fielders. Lytle finally turned to Raymond Laurence, an Indian national working locally and playing his first game for the 3rds.

The little Indian's slow leg spin caused all sorts of problems and CSNI soon slipped from 97 for 2 to 143 for 9. Raymond picked up 4 wickets for 23 runs with Michael Caithness 2 and Andy Craig 1. Seven runs were still needed as the last man came to the cease but his first ball went for 6 and then it was only a matter of time.

Two other players made their debut for the 3rds in this match, Joel Mann and Chris Pettigrew. Next Saturday the 3rds are at home to Bangor in a game they will want to win to pull away from the relegation battle.

FOURTHS

Ballymena Fourths returned to league action at Eaton Park on Saturday hosting Downpatrick Thirds, the only team to have defeated the Braidmen in the league so far this season in a demolition at Downpatrick early in May.

After winning the toss and inserting the opposition, Ballymena took the field with a good blend of youth and experience.

Tight and accurate bowling, coupled with good fielding soon saw Ballymena rip through the Downpatrick batting with ease, eventually bowling them out for 43!

Peter Gillespie continued his excellent progress as a promising swing bowler to take 4 for 11 but star of the day was undoubtedly Dean Reynolds who in only his second senior club match took an impressive 4 for 8 in just under 4 overs, an amazing display for an U14 bowler.

Ballymena knocked off the required 44 for only the loss of one wicket.

This win puts the Braidmen 6 points ahead at the top of the table.

This week sees Ballymena host Derriaghy in what could be a promotion clincher if other results go the Braidmen's way!