Schools reach next round of cup

Ballyclare High School have progressed to the second round of the Ulster Bank Schools Cup by the narrowest of margins.
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And they’ve been joined by Belfast High School whose progression was much more comfortable.

Ballyclare’s win over Ballymena Academy could not have been closer with the last wicket pair at the crease when the winning run was scored.

Andrew McCalmont was the star performer for Ballyclare: he was at the wicket with 33 not out at the end and earlier his 2 for 17 was the best of his side’s bowling.

Belfast High School’s victory over Grosvenor Grammar School was a less frenetic affair. A half century by James Creighton took the High School to 132 for 8 and Jack Buchanan-Rolleston’s 5 for 10 saw Grosvenor plummet to a meagre 46.

Both schools will be away from home in the second round; Ballyclare to Belfast Royal Academy; Belfast High School to Bangor Grammar School.

Scores:

Ballymena Academy 161 for 9 (J Scott 65, M Strong 29, B Lowry 3-40, A McCalmont 2-17, G Dargan 2-26). Ballyclare High School 162 for 9 (A McCalmont 33 no, M Stevenson 26, J Magee 20).

Belfast High School 132 for 8 (J Creighton 53). Grosvenor Grammar School 46 all out (J Rolleston 5-10).

Meanwhile, Larne Grammar School were knocked out in the first round of the cup following a crushing 140-run defeat at the hands of a strong Sullivan Upper School.

The Holywood school posted a highly respectable 180 for 5 and Larne were never in the hunt, tumbling to a meagre total of 40.