New-look Fourths record 'derby' win

After having lost the toss and bizarrely being inserted on a near perfect batting track, Ballymena lost 2 quick wickets before Colin McClean and David Lamont saw the score to 108 before McClean fell trying to force the pace for 42 valuable runs.

Lamont showed his potential with a good 44 before Pete Gillespie, 41, and Paul Smith with 20 moved the score along at a brisk pace.

The young lower order kept the scoring at over 5 an over with the Braidmen finishing on a good but by no means secure 213 for 9 off 40 overs.

After a huge downpour Ballymena's bowlers and fielders worked tirelessly in keeping the Muckamore batsmen at bay.

Good, tight bowling meant the Antrim men were never up with the rate and, despite an excellent 69 from Collins and hard hitting from Barber and Falls the Muckamore side were bowled out for 180.

Paul Smith yet again spearheaded the attack with aggressive and containing bowling, taking 2 for 23 off his 8 overs and his fellow veteran Ali Gibson ending with similar figures bowling his mixture of cutters and spinners.

Pete Gillespie, returning to bowling again after a rugby injury took an impressive 3 wickets for 21 with his big inswingers and David Lamont provided the "death" bowling with 2 for 15.

Matthew Bell, the Cambridge House student, has bowled with an extra yard of pace this season and was never intimidated by more mature batsmen who were looking to "get after him".

However, special mention must be made of Murray Caithness, Dean Reynolds and Connor Pogue. The three young Academy schoolboys, 2 of whom were making their adult cricket debuts, played with maturity which belied their ages.

Mature, unflustered batting, controlled bowling and superb fielding paid a fitting tribute to their age group coaches who should be proud of these young men - three names to watch in years to come!

This 33 run victory puts the Fourths four points ahead as league leaders. With continued team performances, superb team spirit and real enjoyment the Fourths continue their successful season. This week they travel to rivals Templepatrick for another tough derby game.