An unbeaten 49 from Greg Thompson couldn't save Lisburn from a 31-run defeat by Ballymena in last night's Lagan Valley Steels Twenty20 Cup tie at Wallace Park.

Playing in his first cricket match of the campaign after finishing the hockey season with Lisnagarvey, Thompson struck two sixes and faced only 45 balls.

However, the damage had already been done with Ballymena captain Simon McDowell (3-19) and Steve Lazars (1-13) combining to reduce the home side to 42 for five as they chased a target of 140. Thompson and David Simpson struck the ball well in an umbeaten sixth-wicket stand but Lisburn finished well adrift on 108 for five.

Earlier Kaushik Aphale struck seven fours in a quickfire 36 from only 29 balls and Gareth Fisher added an unbeaten 35 from 40 deliveries as Ballymena posted 139 for six in their 20 overs.

There is one fixture tonight with Instonians hosting Civil Service North at Shaw's Bridge (6.30pm start).

Result: Ballymena 139-6 (Aphale 36, Fisher 35 no, H van der Merwe 2-34). Lisburn 108-5 (G Thompson 49 no, D Simpson 23 no, S McDowell 3-19). Ballymena won by 31 runs.