Ballymena U-15s’ hopes of Graham Cup glory end in disappointment

The Eaton Park boys were beaten by six wickets in the decidier by CSNI at Holywood.

After a bright start from James McLean, who scored 31, and Matt Smith, the team collapsed to 97 all out.

Calvin Purse made a fine 20,and Harry Bill added 10 runs to the total.

CSNl reached their target with few alarms and with six overs to spare.

James McLean bowled tidily at the end and Johnie Brown held a great diving catch on the boundary.

But overall it was a dissapointing day for a Ballymena side which had done so well to reach the final.

INTER-PROVINCIALS

Meanwhile, the interprovincial under 15 series of games were held in the Dublin area last week.

John Glass, James McLean,and Johnie Brown, from Ballymena Cricket Club, all acquitted themselves well, as the NCU finished runners up to a very strong Leinster CU.

John Glass showed tremendous form with the bat, making over 200 runs in three visits to the crease and deservedly earned himself a place in the Ireland Under 15 squad for the European Championship to be held on 3 to 8 August at Rugby School in England.

Ireland won this tournament last year.

PREVIEW

Meanwhile, Ballymena’s senior teams return to action this weekend afterthe break for the Twlefth holidays.

James Kennedy’s First XI, who have given themselves some much-needed breathing space in the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League after back-to-back wins, will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they entertain CSNI, with whom they are level on points in the table.

Stephen Colgan’s Second XI, off the back of a run of four wins inside eight days are at home to Lurgan.