McDowell produces superb bowling display as Ballymena record vital win

Ballymena 1st XI bounced back to form on Saturday with a thoroughly convincing seven–wicket victory over CIYMS at Belmont.
Simon claimed a five-wicket haul for Ballymena in Saturday's win over CIYMS.Simon claimed a five-wicket haul for Ballymena in Saturday's win over CIYMS.
Simon claimed a five-wicket haul for Ballymena in Saturday's win over CIYMS.

Captain James Kennedy was delighted afterwards – and with good reason, for his bowlers and fielders had produced a top-class display to bowl out last season’s Premier League champions for just 100. Simon McDowell deservedly took the plaudits for his 5 wicket haul but every member of the Eaton Park side played their part in a first-rate performance in the field.

When the Ballymena captain won the toss, he may well have surprised many people by asking CIYMS to bat on what looked like a good wicket.

In the event Ballymena’s gameplan worked perfectly. CIYMS openers Chris Dougherty , who is on the verge of Ireland selection, and South African professional PJ Moor never managed to get on top of tight Ballymena bowling . Their frustration led to loose shots and it just reward for Ballymena when Kaushik Aphale took a fine caught and bowled at full stretch to dismiss Dougherty ; then, two balls later, Steve Lazars deceived Moor into chipping straight into Stephen Colgan’s hands at point. This left the home team at 35 for 2 in the 15th over and placed big pressure on the experienced Taimur Khan and Stephen Clarke , one of several CIYMS signings from North West cricket.

The Eaton Park men were in no mood to loosen their grip and accurate bowling backed up by near-faultless fielding had the CI pair fighting for every run. Eventually the pressure told when Simon McDowell lured Khan down the wicket and had him smartly stumped by Robert Kennedy. Then in his next over McDowell dismissed the dangerous Clarke for 22, thanks to a superb diving catch by James Kennedy off a full-blooded cover drive.

This left CIYMS on 70 for 4 after 27 overs and , considering their reputation for having a “long tail”, a decent total was starting to look increasingly unlikely.

Neil Burns and Alan Johnston did manage to inch their way up to 89 for 4 in the 33rd over, but once McDowell had Burns caught behind by Robert Kennedy, the CIYMS innings collapsed in spectacular fashion. Indeed in the next 11 overs, the home team managed to score only 11 runs and lost their last 5 wickets as McDowell and Robert McKinley quite simply proved far too good for them.

McDowell finished with 5 for 16 in 10 overs – figures which certainly do not flatter him.

Indeed it is doubtful if the slow left-arm spinner has ever bowled better. His command of length and line, on what was by no means a bowler-friendly track, caused huge problems for every CI batsman who faced him. McKinley gave him excellent support in those closing overs as the CI tail-enders found it almost impossible to score runs off him. Indeed the young opening bowler’s second spell makes impressive reading - 3 for 6 in 5.1 overs. There were also fine bowling performances from Aphale ( 1 for 14 in 10 overs ) and Lazars ( 1 for 22 in 8 overs).

Left with only 100 to defend, CIYMS realised their only hope was to take early wickets. They did have some success ; Stephen Colgan was caught and bowled by Stephen Dunn and then William Montgomery, after striking three impressive boundaries, was caught behind. David Kennedy, for the second successive week, was struggling to time his shots and when he was out Ballymena were 44 for 3 and by no means over the line.

However any worries Ballymena may have had were quickly dispelled as, for the third game in a row, Aphale and Lazars came together in an impressive stand for the fourth-wicket. The pair put on an unbroken 59 in confident style to take Ballymena to victory in the 26th over . Aphale had injured his hand in the field and needed painkillers before he batted.

However the discomfort seemed to have little effect on his customary fluency as he mixed careful defence with brutal punishment of the occasional loose delivery. He hit 7 fours and one massive straight six as he stroked 
his way to 45 not out off 59 balls.

He was given fine support by Lazars, who has truly been a revelation since he took over the No.5 batting spot.

Once again the dimunitive all-rounder belied his reputation for throwing his wicket away as he combined watchful defence with shrewd shot-selection.

His 30 not out came off 34 balls and contained 6 crisply-hit fours and a six over square leg to win the game.

Ballymena have another tough encounter on Saturday when North Down visit Eaton Park. The Comber side still have hopes of challenging for the Premier League title, but have become unstuck at Eaton Park in the past.

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