Ballymena won the toss and elected to bat in the second round of the challenge cup at Stormont.
Michael Glass got the visitors off to a positive start before the visitors fell to 41 for two in the 10th over Foster and Neil picking up the wickets. John Glass added 47 with overseas professional Glenn Adams before Harry Dyer claimed his wicket.
That brought Sam Glass to the crease, who played a crucial role in pushing Ballymena up to a 200+ run total. Overseas pro Adams batted beautifully for 74, including five fours and three sixes and Sam Glass finished on 55 off 86 balls with eight fours and one six as the visitors scrambled nicely through to close their innings on 222 for six. Foster was the pic of the bowlers for the hosts with three for 39.
Captain Thompson sent overseas pro Kezron Archibald out to open the innings with Jordan Neill, and the pair wasted no time. They added 59 from just 39 balls before the Nevisian was caught in the deep for 40 off 23 balls with six fours and two sixes. Hunter then joined Neill and the pair added 33 off 34 balls before Hunter was caught at long off from the leg spinner Adams.
Neil was at his destructive best, scoring 92 Off 77 balls with 10 fours and three sixes sharing in a 95 run partnership off 80 balls with Ellison before he fell agonisingly short of his first hundred for the club. Ellison ended unbeaten on 57 from 49 balls as the hosts claimed a comprehensive six wicket Win with 123 balls to spare.
The first 11 now progress to the third round of the challenge cup in two weeks time with their opponents to be decided presumably this incoming week.
Next weekend is a big one for the 1st XI as they take on Carrickfergus at Middle Road in the league on Saturday, followed up with a second round Irish Senior Cup at Home to Instonians on Sunday,
As always your support is very welcome!
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