CIYMS III’s eventually got the better of Muckamore III’s at Eaton Park; Ballymena on Saturday to bring the Cleaver Black sponsored Minor (Lindsay) Cup back to Belmont.

CI made a great start with Daniel McConkey and Jack Beattie putting on 49 for the first wicket. Then a spell of tight bowling from Muckamore seemed to put them firmly in charge as off spinner Shane Henderson took 3-17 making the ball turn appreciably.

It was pretty painstaking stuff until Alan McMillan came in at number seven and as it turned out played the match winning innings with 32 from 21 balls. In total 45 runs came off the last 6 overs a marked contrast to what had gone on before.

So CI went into tea in an upbeat mood and the momentum had changed. Muckamore started out well with a 40 run partnership between father and son, Sam and Jonny Gordon, until son ran dad out for 37. I suspect young Jonny’s weekend at home wasn’t great after that!

The game swung firmly CI’s way with the introduction of three left arm slow bowlers, Matt Brittain, Carl Rae and former first XI skipper Tony Adams who strangled the life out of the Muckamore batting.

David Allison came back for a second spell ending up with 3 for 14 and winning the man of the match award in the process. Muckamore had collapsed from 67-1 to 111 all out and the final margin was 38 runs.

Now those of you familiar with CI may recognise the names of McMillan and McConkey, perhaps I should let Daniel McConkey explain:
“Alan and I are perhaps better known as the manager and water boy of the Galacticos! It is nice to be able to contribute something to the club on the pitch as well.

I am delighted Alan decided to turn out for a few 3rds games and played a starring role in the cup final as he does so much at Belmont - secretary, fundraiser, organiser, scorer on occasions, driver, manager etc , etc - without him CI wouldn't be we're it is today.
Now we can concentrate on managing a premier league winning team!”

Alan was also a member of the CI team in 1991 that won the Junior Cup, before deciding to retire to the golf course for a few years, but it seems he is back where he belongs again.

It was also a weekend to remember for the club 4th XI who won Junior 8 league title on Sunday with 98 run win over Templepatrick.