Cricket Report

By Ballyclare High School on 3 June, 2024

 

 

Cricket at Ballyclare High School continues to flourish with the news that the 1st XI has qualified for the semi final of the Schools’ Cup.

This talented and dedicated group of players earned a place in the last four of the prestigious competition after a deserved win over Wallace High School in last week’s quarter final.

The bowling unit rose to the occasion to restrict Wallace to 97 all out. Jacob Scarlett returned figures of 5 for 20, while Evan Carlisle took 3 for 16. Jude Wilson took one wicket while Austin Adair, Jack Smyth and Cooper Donnelly all maintained control in their three-over spells.

After the loss of two early wickets in reply, Jack Smyth (17) and Finn Lutton shared an invaluable partnership of 31 runs. Finn controlled the run chase, eventually being dismissed for 40 runs, with only two further runs required to secure the win.

It is believed that this is the first occasion on which Ballyclare High has reached the Schools’ Cup semi final. An initial glance at records confirms quarter final defeats in 1998, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008. This year’s semi final will be contested with Campbell College Belfast, while RBAI and Strabane Academy will meet in the other half of the draw. The entire School community wishes the team continued success.

Meanwhile, the Under 12 side had already reached the semi final of the Centenary Cup, where they faced RBAI. After a very creditable performance the Ballyclare team lost by only 16 runs.

Batting first, RBAI were restricted to a total of 69 for 7 from their 20 overs. Ryan Arthur, with three wickets, and Noah Morton, with two wickets, were the most successful bowlers, but were offered valuable support by James McKnight and Josh Reynolds (one wicket each) and Adam McGookin who bowled an economical spell.

Adam scored 14 runs in Ballyclare’s reply while Ryan was the leading scorer with 21 runs. Eventually the Ballyclare side fell 16 runs short of their opponents’ total.

The Under 12s have enjoyed an excellent start to competitive School cricket and have demonstrated cricketing skills and qualities of determination and teamwork which should continue to serve them well in the future.