Cricket Report

By Ballyclare High School on 7 May, 2024

 

 

Ballyclare High School saw three cricket teams make progress in their respective Cup competitions in the last week.

Having previously received a first-round bye in the prestigious Schools’ Cup competition, the 1st XI hosted Belfast Royal Academy at Hollinger Park. A strong bowling performance restricted the visitors to a total of 88 all out, Jack Smyth taking three wickets, while Finn Lutton, Austin Adair and Cooper Donnelly claimed two wickets each. Finn Lutton played a crucial role in the Ballyclare reply, his unbeaten innings of 45 runs guiding his side to a very pleasing win. The draw for the quarter final stage will take place after the completion of all the second-round games.

The Under 14 side continued their confident progress through the group stages of the Derriaghy Cup with a comfortable win by 34 runs over Belfast High School. The foundation for Ballyclare’s impressive total of 120 for 2 was provided by unbeaten innings of 34 runs from both Ben Huxley and Joshua Nesbitt. The Belfast High side was restricted to 86 for 5 in reply, Jacob Donnelly taking three wickets.

The Under 12 team continued their encouraging start to school cricket with a convincing 67-run home win over Down High School in the first round of the Centenary Cup. Batting first, Ballyclare posted a total of 89 for 7. The leading run-scorer was James McKnight who went on to take four wickets as Down High were dismissed for only 22 runs, Ryan Arthur and Adam McGookin both taking two wickets. The team will face either Friends’ School or Wallace High in the next round.

Saturday’s full programme of McCullough League Cup matches against Wallace High School was cancelled due to the inclement weather.