"Effective July 1, 1984, applications for discretionary appeals are required in '[a]ppeals in all actions for damages in which the judgment is $2,500.00 or less.' OCGA 5-6-35 (a) (6). This statute unambiguously refers to 'judgments' in general and we therefore construe it to be applicable to judgments in the amount of $2,500 or less obtained by verdict following a bench or jury trial as well as by summary judgment. [Cit.] Thus, because the appellant failed to follow the provisions required by OCGA 5-6-35 (b) for cases in which an application for appeal is required, this direct appeal must be dismissed. [Cits.]" Jarrett v. Ford Motor Credit Co., 178 Ga. App. 600-601 (344 SE2d 440) (1986).