Braid under-15s record brace of wins

Carrick batted first and lost early wickets in the face of good opening bowling by Dean Reynolds and Josh Scott.

Off-spinner Chris Petticrew then carved through the middle order, taking three for four in his first two overs.

Owen Dick, John Glass and Jack Archer all made their catches look simple.

Carrick’s Campbell, meanwhile, was batting with aggressive intent and had reached 46 when he was bowled by a beauty from Sam Glass.

Jack Archer, Marcus Rea and Owen Dick all bowled tidily and Carrick’s total of 81 looked inadequate, while James McLean again kept wicket most impressively.

Ballymena had little trouble knocking off the runs.

Marcus Rea hit a stylish 34 not out, driving the ball through the covers at every opportunity.

Chris Petticrew battled his way to 22 before losing his wicket to what appeared to be a no-ball. He was replaced by Dean Reynolds who was unbeaten on nine at the close.

Earlier in the week, Ballymena played Templepatrick at Ballyclare and, batting first, compiled 120 runs for the loss of only three wickets.

Marcus Rea showed good form, hitting a quick 23 with five fours.

Chris Petticrew gave him good support and the score mounted rapidly as the home side’s bowlers sent down too many wides.

In the second half of the innings, Dean Reynolds (22 not out) and Jack Archer (23) moved things along smoothly to put their side in a commanding position.

Templepatrick also batted well as most of Ballymena’s bowlers pitched too short in an effort to bowl too fast.

Jack Archer steadied the ship with some neat swing bowling and wicketkeeper James McLean accepted the two chances which came his way.

Joel Gocher took a fine catch at third man and the game was eventually made safe when Dean Reynolds hit the stumps twice in his last over to leave Ballymena winners by 16 runs.