Waringstown prove too strong for Braidmen in Challenge Cup

A Waringstown batsman ducks for cover as the ball is returned from the field in the match against Ballymena Seconds. INBT 21-821H

Ballymena Cricket Club First XI were defeated by nine wickets on Saturday by Waringstown in the opening round of the Challenge Cup.

Ballymena went to The Lawn facing a mammoth task of facing probably the strongest side in the NCU at the present.

Michael Glass, the local captain, was delighted to win the toss and bat on an excellent wicket. James McClean started the innings with a hard fought 21 which showed great promise for a sixteen year old.

At the other end wickets tumbled with Jack Gibson out LBW to the new Warringstown professional Pienaar. William Montgomery and James Kennedy both fell cheaply to the spin of James Hall. This brought John Glass, also sixteen, to the crease to accompany James.

Unfortunately three quick wickets then fell leaving Matthew Dick and Alan Dundas to try and rescue some form of respectability to the total which sat at 46 for 6. Matthew batted with determination and aggression to score a fine 29 including a well struck six off Lee Nelson. He was supported by Alan Dundas who battled his way to 18 before being bowled. With a late flurry of fours from Glass the total reached 111 befors Sam Glass batting at 11 was caught in the 45th over.

In reply James Hall got off to a flying start with a quick fire 38 before he was caught and bowled by the veteran Ballymena Captain.

Matthew Purse bowled an excellent spell of 9.3 overs nought for 42 with should have brought him at least two wickets due to the accuracy of his spell. Waringstown bettered the low target score in the 19th over.