Former Irish under 19 internationals James Hall and Lee Nelson both scored half centuries as Waringstown made light of a 214 run target to win with 7 wickets and 13.5 overs to spare.

Hall hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in his 66, while Nelson went one better in the boundary count in his 60 not out (7 fours, 2 sixes).

Chasing 214, Waringstown were the epitome of consistency in the partnership stakes, with stands of 59, 60 and 59 as Ballymena were never able to apply any sort of pressure.

Simon Harrison (22) and Kyle McCallan (27) played useful cameos, but none better than new professional Glen Addicott, who smashed 3 sixes and 2 fours in his 16 ball knock of 30 not out.

The South African, recommended to Waringstown by former Ireland coach Adi Birrell, has been in prolific form in domestic cricket, and there was enough evidence here to suggest that the absence of Obus Piennar may not be as big a blow as first feared.

Earlier Ballymena had failed to capitalise on the good start given to them by Steve Lazars (45) and Robert McKinley (30), who shared an opening partnership of 91.

Kaushik Aphale top scored with 59, but the innings ran out of steam, as the Waringstown spinners took control. McCallan (3-24), Hall (2-38) and Gary Kidd (2-59) impressed, as did seamer Addicott in his 2-18 from 9.

Early days yet but Waringstown look as if they are going to be hard to beat, while Ballymena may struggle to repeat their heroic efforts of 2011.