A win for North Down looking highly unlikely at the half way stage of their innings with 105 more needed off the second ten! They were in fourth place in the table this morning - someone must know how many they need to score to avoid dropping to seventh tonight. Calculators out? Well in the end they keep their place in the top 6 - just! The bottom 4 makes interesting reading - current PL Champions Instonians, CIYMS, CSNI and Carrickfergus. Can't imagine they would be the first relegation candidates that would have sprung to mind at the start of the season.

Woodvale back to the top of the Premier League table after the win. North Down back in action this afternoon versus Cliftonville Academy - the final PL match before the mid season 'split'. The final place in the Top Six is still uncertain and a defeat depending on the margin could see either drop below CSNI on NRR.

Match 2 - Rain delayed start, match reduced to 8 overs.

Match 2 - late start reduced to 18 overs. Rain interrupted and further reduced to 13 overs.

The other game, at the Castle Grounds was abandoned after just 26 balls, after Kerwin Mungroo slipped and fell twice in his delivery stride.

In the Premier League, Carrickfergus ended defending champions Instonians’ hopes of making it into the post-split top six with a three runs victory at Shaw’s Bridge. Professional Ruan Haasbroek hit 77 (six fours and four sixes) for the basement side, who had won only one of their first seven games as Carrick were bowled out for 182. Two rain interruptions gave Instonians a final victory target of 155 in 39 overs and once captain CJ van der Walt bowled Neil Rock for 60, the visitors were favourites.

Woodvale had a morale boosting win after their cup disappointment to draw level on points at the top of the Premiership with Waringstown following a 48-run win at home to Cliftonville Academy. Their total of 192 owed much to overseas professional Ludwig Kaestner who made almost half of their runs, hitting 5 fours and a six in his 92. He shared a third wicket stand of 63 with Ruhan Pretorius (26) but there wasn't much else in the way of support. The chase started slowly for CA, who adopted a cautious approach following the early losses of Neil Cahill and Kian Hilton. Varun Chopra's 42 got them to 83 for 3, before both he and Abhishek Raut fell in quick succession - that man Kaestner (3-32) again right in the thick of the action. Jared Wilson's 32 had the game once again in the balance at 134 for 5, but the end came quickly as they crumbled to 144 all out - three wickets also for Ruhan Pretorius and Aditya Adey.

Game of the day was at Wallace Park were the two Senior Cup finalists served up a real treat that shows the decider in two weeks' time has all the potential for a real classic. Nigel Jones top-scored for the hosts with 57, while there were runs too for Glenn Halliday (34), Jonathan Waite (28) and Neil Whitworth (27) in their total of 214. Shane Henderson's recent good form continued with a five-wicket haul, while there were two wickets for Sathish Suresh. Ryan Macbeth accounted for both openers cheaply, but a third wicket stand of 69 between Mark Cleghorne (48) and Jason van der Merwe (37) put Muckamore on top. Indeed, the Moylena side looked set for a comfortable win when Ben Caltiz (51) and Luke Allen (37) shared a 5th wicket stand of 75. At 189 for 4 it seemed a formality, but Lisburn fought back with Macbeth getting Calitz, and when he bowled skipper Neil Gill, two were still needed with the last pair at the crease. Amidst incredible pressure and tension, Shane Henderson and Pavan Karthik each got a single, to complete a Carlsberg weekend. Never mind the cup, anyone fancy the double for the Moylena side in their 150th year?

Sam Topping's 97 and five wickets for James Cameron-Dow ensured an emphatic 140-run win for Waringstown at North Down. Topping - on the books of Sussex - hit 9 fours and two sixes in his knock, laying the perfect platform in an opening stand of 84 with Adam Dennison. Skipper Greg Thompson added 36, while there were 20s for Morgan Topping, JCD, and Graham Hume in a total of 282 for 9 - three wickets for Ali Shields. Mohammed Aahil (42) and Shields (26) got the Comber side to 67 for 1 in the chase, but Cameron-Dow's five wicket haul saw them dismissed for 142. The win takes Waringstown four points clear at the top, although Woodvale will have the chance to draw level as they take on Cliftonville Academy on Sunday.

Teenage spinners Harry Dyer (4-12) and James West (2-29) bowled CSNI to victory in the only Premiership action of the day. Ross Adair's 54 the best of their 126 for 8 in 25 overs. Marc Ellison (32) and Ryan Hunter (28) gave the solid base required as they chased their adjusted 122 in 24 overs to win with two balls left - Adam Leckey striking a four to seal the win.

Muckamore got their fourth league win of what has been a successful season for the Moylena side as they chased 214 to beat league leaders Woodvale by three wickets. A third wicket partnership of 101 between top-scorer Ruhan Pretorius (67) and Harry Warke (64) helped the Ballygomartin Road side to 213 for 9 - three wickets for Pavan Karthik and Sathish Suresh. The chase was a successful one with the pivotal partnership being 71 for the fourth wicket between Jason van der Merwe (44) and Ben Calitz (42). There were also vital runs in the closing stages for Jamie Magowan (28), Luke Allen (24) and skipper Neil Gill (15*).

CIYMS picked up a welcome win as they eased past an out of sorts Instonians by 8 wickets at Belmont. The visitors innings never really got going with Neil Rock's 30 the best of a modest 132. Bamanye Xenxe claimed four wickets, while there were three for left-armer Mark Best and two for Tyron Koen. John Matchett fell in the first over of the reply, before Chris Dougherty and Max Burton dug in to grind out a 39-run stand for the second wicket. The arrival of Koen to the middle sparked an increase in tempo with the big left-hander thumping 10 fours in an unbeaten 57, adding 93 for the third wicket with Dougherty, whose 51 not out included 7 fours.

Ani Chore's unbeaten century led North Down to a comfortable 7-wickets win at bottom of the table Carrick. The inclusion of Craig Young in the Comber side's ranks gave the bowling unit a boost, with the paceman claiming four wickets and Josh Corbett three as the home side were dismissed for 175. Sam Gordin top-scored with 40, while Prince Sharma hit a breezy unbeaten 38 (6 fours, 1 four) as wickets tumbled around him. The chase was dominated by Chore, whose unbeaten 106 from 111 balls included 11 boundaries, sharing stands of 77 for the first wicket with Mo Aahil (27), and 60 for the second with Ali Shields. James Shannon brought matters to a hasty conclusion hitting 3 sixes in his 26 not out.

CSNI's young guns helped them to a four-wicket win over Cliftonville Academy in an entertaining game at the Castle Grounds. Jared Wilson top-scored with 85 for the home side (9 fours, 4 sixes) sharing a 7th wicket stand of 71 with Varun Chopra (36) in a total of 245. Ryan Hunter hit a fluent 74 (9 fours, 1 six) as he and Marc Ellison (46) added 93 for the second wicket. Adam Leckey's unbeaten 43 ensured the win, adding 56 for the 5th wicket with Paddy Beverland (27) - the four wicket win achieved in the 48th over.

Waringstown's top order flexed their muscles in a dominant batting display as they chased down Lisburn's 265 to win by 8 wickets at The Lawn. Faiz Fazal hit 11 fours in a top score of 94 for the visitors, while David Miller's powerful 49-ball 64 included 7 fours and 3 sixes, dominating a 7th wicket stand of 78 with Josh Manley. Any nerves about a chase were quickly dispelled by a blitzkrieg of boundaries from Sam Topping who tore apart the Lisburn attack. The young left-hander - who is on the books of Sussex - hit 10 fours and 3 sixes in a 30-ball 66 as he and Adam Dennison added 100 runs in the powerplay. Two quick wickets may have offered Lisburn hope, but a third wicket stand of 155 in 26 overs between Dennison and Morgan Topping saw the home side power to the win in the 39th over. Topping's 81-ball unbeaten 102 included 13 fours and 3 sixes, while 'Denny' hit 10 fours and a six in his unbeaten 79. The victory draws Waringstown level on points with leaders Woodvale, and puts them in good spirits ahead of their irish Cup trip to Merrion.

Adam Dennison scored another century as Waringstown made light work of a 230-run target to reignite their title challenge. Dennison hit 12 fours in his unbeaten 105, sharing stands of 120 for the first and 112 for the second wickets with Sam Topping (57) and James McCollum (50*) - both hitting seven boundaries in their half centuries. Carrick's innings also featured a century stand, with Ruan Hassbroek adding 104 for the third wicket with Sam Gordon (52). While the home side had a Test new-ball pairing in Bilawal Bhatti and Graham Hume, it was Josh Froggatt (4-25) who took the bowling honours.

North Down were convincing six-wicket winners against CSNI thanks to a fine all-round display at Comber. Kerwin Mungroo and Peter Davison had identical figures of 4-41 as CSNI were in early trouble at 51 for 5, but they rallied thanks to a 69-run stand between Harry Dyer (44) and Adam leckey (37). Colin Archibald thumped four sixes in a top score of 45, but 179 looked very light. James West took three wickets as the visitors battled, but an unbroken 5th wicket stand of 91 in just 13 overs saw North Down race to the win in the 39th over - half centuries for Ani Chore (70*) and Stephen Saul (57*).

Muckamore pulled off a thrilling 1-wicket win at home to CIYMS in the game of the day. Chasing 149, they looked dead and buried at 85 for 8 and 112 for 9, but firstly Shane Henderson (24) gave them hope, followed by a last wicket stand of 40 between Curtis Moorehead (22*) and Pavan Karthik (20*) that clinched an amazing win.

Lisburn are in second place after a 54-run win over Cliftonville Academy at Wallace Park. Faiz Fazal hit 13 fours and a six in a top score of 84, while, there were 30's for Nigel Jones, Mark Adair (3 sixes), and James Hunter in their 258. Abhishek Raut made 60 in the chase, but they were always well off the pace - three wickets for Ryan Macbeth and Neil Whitworth.

The Ruhan Pretorius show rolled on as he almost single-handedly beat Instonians with another incredible innings that keeps Woodvale top of the table. Neil Rock had crunched 13 fours and 5 sixes in his 72-ball 108, adding 140 in 22 overs for the fourth wicket with skipper Nikolai Smith (67*) but from 212 for 3 in the 36th over, Inst lost their way with Aditya Adey's five wickets keeping them to 282. It still looked more than enough as the home side slumped to 26 for 3 in the chase, but Pretorius produced another innings for the ages as he hit 14 fours and 10 sixes in his unbeaten 167 from 134 balls - the crucial stand 119 for the 5th wicket with James Rose (44). Too early or can Woodvale dare to dream?

Muckamore skipper Neil Gill and Luke Allen were the match winners for the Moylena side as they chased 189 to beat North Down. It was another 7th wicket partnership that proved decisive as Allen hit 42 and Gill 24 not out as they took their side from a precarious 115 for 6 to the brink of victory with a stand of 70, eventually sealing a 3-wicket win in the 46th over. Earlier, Stephen Saul's half century was the best of the Comber side's 188 for 9, with two wickets apiece for Neil Gill and Curtis Moorhead in a disciplined bowling effort that ultimately laid the foundations for the win.

CSNI were another side who chased to win - all five sides did so in the Premiership. Carrickfergus made 235 thanks to a fine half century from skipper CJ van der Walt, and runs from Sam Gordon (46) and Alex Haggan (32). Colin Archibald picke dup four wickets, with three for teenager Adam Leckey, and two for Ireland-contracted Matthew Foster. A feature of the game was five catches for young wicket-keeper Marko Bates. Marc Ellison (70) held together the CSNI chase in the early stages, but Alex Haggan (3-42) and Prince Sharma (2-52) looked to be winning the game for the Middle Road side as the Stormont side slipped to 132 for 6 in the 33rd over. But, yet again it was a lower order stand that won the day, with Adam Leckey and the experienced James Kennedy adding a match winning 101 for the 7th wicket, Leckey collecting a half century before a Kennedy boundary sealed a four wicket win with three overs remaining.

Woodvale lost for the first time in the Premiership, missing out on the chance to extend their lead at the top away at Lisburn, who moved into second place thanks to a superb chase of a tough 285-run target. Ludwig Kaestner's brilliant 134 not out from 130 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes) led the Ballygomartin side to 284 for 4, sharing stands of 98 in 18 overs with Ronan Restieaux (57), and a further 95 in the last ten with James Rose who scored a run-a-ball 29. The home side looked in a little trouble at 204 for 6 in the 41st over, despite a fine 88 from Nigel Jones (8 fours, 1 six). However, James Hunter was the hero of the hour, a she thumped 6 sixes and 4 fours in a superb undefeated 79 from just 58 balls, adding 76 in 46 balls for the 7th wicket with Josh Manley (29) to get the Wallace Park side almost to the finishing line - Ryan Macbeth applying the coup de grace with two balls left. A game you feel that Woodvale will reflect back on and Lisburn will use as a launching pad even at this early stage of the season.

CIYMS.find themselves in the unusual position at the foot of the table after a six wicket loss at home to CIYMS. Max Burton top-scored with 51 against his old club, while there were runs too for Allen Coulter (43), Chris Dougherty and Bamanye Xenxe (34*). Irish U19 international Kian Hilton raced out of the traps with a blsitering 54-ball 67 (11 fours, 2 sixes) and the win was sealed by an unbroken 5th wicket partnership of 98 between professional Abhishek Raut (55*) and Varun Chopra (35*), clinching a comfortable six-wicket win in the 46th over.

Adam Dennison scored a magnificent unbeaten 150 as Waringstown made light work of what looked a challenging target of 279 set by Instonians. The 27 year-old hit 20 boundaries in his superb knock, laying the platform with an opening stand of 96 in 16 overs with Sam Topping (32). James McCollum made 22, before a match winning winning partnership of 156 for the third wicket between Dennison and Morgan Topping, whose unbeaten 63 included 7 fours and a six. Earlier Cade Carmichael had made exactly 100 (7 fours, 2 sixes), reaching the landmark in the final over before being run out. He added 104 for the third wicket with Robert McKinley, who stroked seven boundaries in his 85 as the Shaw's Bridge side posted 278 for 5 - it wasn't enough as Waringstown romped home with six overs to spare.

CIYMS's woes continue as they lost to Lisburn in an entertaining game at Belmont. Jonathan Waite hit an enterprising 67 (8 fours, 2 sixes), while skipper Neil Whitworth also got a half century, hitting six boundaries in his 62. Nigel Jones (35) and David Miller (27) chipped in as Lisburn posted 252 for 8. Tyron Koen hit 7 fours in a 53-ball top score of 55, but Josh Manley's five-wicket haul ensured the second Premiership win of the campaign for the Wallace Park side.

Woodvale continue to set the pace and are the surprise leaders in the NCU Premiership making it four wins from four thanks to a six-wicket win at Waringstown. Batting first James McCollum hit 9 fours in his 68, while there were runs too for skipper Greg Thompson (48), Bilawal Bhatti and Lee Nelson - playing his 400th game - who both made 25 in a total of 230. Ruhan Pretorius picked up three wickets, while there were two apiece for Ronan Restieaux, Aditya Adey and Ludwig Kaestner. Adey (48) and Harry Warke (30) got the chase off to a good start with an opening stand of 61. Kaestner then controlled the pace of the target hitting a brilliant unbeaten 102 (9 fours) as the four-wicket win was sealed with ten balls to spare despite the best efforts of Seby Best (3-32).

CSNI made little headway after being asked to bat first struggling to 87/4 at the half way stage with the top four all back in the pavilion. Cian Robertson with three wickets and Ben Rose four ensuring that there would be no late heroics from the tail although there was a last wicket partnership of 27 between youngsters Luka and Marko Bates broken by Ben Walsh in his first and only over. Two early wickets for Matthew Foster when Instonians started their reply including skipper Nikolai Smith first ball, Andrew White and Cade Carmichael rebuilding with a partnership of 60. Carmichael gone and it is now all on Andrew White it seems. White may be scoring the runs but Adam Ly is playing a vital roll here with 14 off 49 balls in what looks like a match winning half century partnership. Twist in the tail? James West has two in the over ending Adam Ly's resistance and then having Sully Gould lbw second ball. A third wicket for West having Ben Rose caught first ball of his next but in the end Andrew White got his side across the line in the company of Cian Robertson. Adam Ly as much the hero as White in Inst's win as no doubt Whitey would acknowledge.

Delayed start - Match reduced to 40 overs. After being put in to bat by Muckamore it took a 56 run partnership for the sixth wicket between Alex Haggan and Ashwin Shetty to lift winless Carrick to a respectable188 in their reduced 40 overs. Three wickets for Ashwin Shetty has stalled the Muckamore chase including that of inform Jason vd Merwe for only 2. A lot depending on Ben Calitz with100 required off the second twenty overs and the rquired rate climbing. Calitz bowled by young Alex Armstrong in his first over and it's surely only a matter of time before the Cowboys register their first win of the campaign. But Neil Gill isn't making it easy for them 5x4 and 1x6 in his 40 not out as he goes on the attack. But it couldn't last and when he became Haasbroek's third victim all that was left was for Cowboy's skipper CJ van der Walt to take the final two to claim his sides first league points.

A second wicket partnership of exctly 50 between Kian Hilton and Johnny Terrett set Cliftonville Academy on their way before Abhishek Raut took advantage of a lacklustre Carrick attack rattling up 80 off 61 balls, 9x4 3x6. He dominated the later stages of the innings adding 42 for the 9th wicket with Andrew Forbes whose contribution to the partnership was 2 singles. Wiith Alex Haggan still recovering from a knee injury and unable to bowl it was Carrick's seventh bowler Jake Egan who returned the best figures of the day claiming 4-48. Carrick only managed three scores in double figures from Jake Egan, Ruan Haasbroek and skipper CJ van der Walt as spinner Ben Kane claimed 4 wickets as Carrick never challenged the home total.

A bad day at the office for the visitors who saw CSNI plunder runs all down the order at Stormont. Ireland U19 keeper Ryan Hunter and former NZ U19 captain Marc Ellison added 80 together or the second wicket after the loss of Jordan Neill. Three wickets each for Bilawal Bhatti and Tom Mayes for Waringstown but CSNI content with their total at the change of innings. Matthew Forster straight into the action for CSNI removing both Sam Topping for just a single and James McCollum without scoring. Adam Leckey had Adam Dennison caught behind to make it 68/3, Dennison with 50 of those. With 6 wickets down before the hundred was reached it was always going to be a home win, Jordan Neill making up for a lack of runs today by claiming the best bowling figures, 3-38 in his allocation of 10.

It was slow going early on for Woodvale having been asked to bat by CIYMS, as they were reduced to 30/4 with Warke, Adey, Kaestner and Restieaux all back in the paviliion. But James Rose joined the inform Ruhan Pretorius at the crease and together they added 55 before Rose was bowled by Carson McCullough. A further partnership of 39 with Carl Robinson was steering Woodvale towards respectability if not a winning position before Pretorious monopolised a stand with Jamie Gibson scoring 40 to Gibson's 1 as he moved to his century. The visitors batted steadily in the chase and had reached 139/4 before four wickets fell for just 11 runs, 42 required with only 2 wickets left. Four boundaries in a better than a run-a-ball 26 from Jack Beattie looked like getting CI home but one shot away from the win, Allen Coulter swept at Ludwig Kaestner, missed, and Woodvale were victorious.

Instonians carried their Friday night T20 form into the Premier League rattling up 236 for the loss of only 5 wickets at Shaw's Bridge. Ollie Metcalfe top-scored for the hosts with 86 sharing two half century partnerships with Cade Carmichael and Adam Ly, while for Muckamore Jason van der Merwe was the only bowler to take more than one wicket. Van der Merwe has been in good form with the bat since his return from CIYMS and it was him again who provided some resistance to the Instonians attack, losing eight partners as wickets tumbled and finishing 72 not out. Cian Robertson continues his good form since returning from a shoulder injury claiming four wickets, while teenage off-spinner Ben Walsh picked up three.

North Down chose to bat and piled on the runs despite the early loss of Ani Chore for only 2, run out by Matthew Humphreys. His opening partner Mohamed Aahil added 132 for the third wicket with Liam Hayman (90 off 102, 6x4, 2x6) before he fell to Ryan Macbeth, Humphreys claiming the other 3 wickets to fall. The Lisburn chase never got going with Kerwin Mungroo removing both openers, Faiz Fazal and David Miller before Hayman and Aahil added wickets to the runs they scored earlier in excellent all-round performances.

Cliftonville Academy were in Six-hitting mood at Shaw's Bridge as Francis Collins blasted all comers for 83 off 46 balls, an innings that contained 4x4 and 8x6. Varun Chopra entered the fray and he too wasted no time in his unbeaten 46 off 26, clearing the ropes five times. Two wickets each for Andrew White, Ben Rose and James Magee but no luck for Cian Robertson, working his way back from injury whose four overs cost 56.

Chris Dougherty again leading the way for CIYMS hoping to bounce back after yesterday's 1 run defeat to Waringstown but it took a few blows down the order from Allen Coulter to take them to what they hope is a defendable total. Bamanye Xenxe into the action straight away with the wicket of Ally Shields for just 6 and that of Stevie Saul without scoring. Ani Chore holding firm on 33* at the half way stage but 84 still needed in the second half for a home win. All on Chore now with 39 required off 4 overs. Tyron Koen bowls the 17th over for just 3 with Nelson struggling to get Chore back on strike and a single off the final ball means that Chore is off strike for the 18th. Nelson runs past the first ball from Mulder and is stumped for 3 off 9. Just 2 runs off the 18th but at least Chore is on strike - he's faced only 2 of the last 12 deliveries. 34 off 12 the target! And now 22 of the final over to be bowled by Xenxe - 6 is a good start! Dot, 6, Dot - that makes it 10 off 2. DOT! 1. And CIYMS are winners by 8 runs. Valiant effort from Chore whose 83* came off 58 balls (6x4, 3x6) but he was starved of the strike in the final few overs and that in the end proved decisive.

Ruhan Pretorius capped a prolific week with another half century as Woodvale beat Carrickfergus at Middle Road. He top-scored with 70 from 76 balls (7 fours, 1 six) shepherding the lower order from a precarious 103 for 6 to 219 - three wickets for Alex Armstrong (3-27) and Prince Sharma (3-31). Sam Gordon's 44 had the hosts in the game at 65 for 2, but four wickets for Ludwig Kaestner and three for Ronan Restieaux saw Carrickfergus bowled out for 135.

Instonians 'old boy' James Shannon returned to Shaw's Bridge in North Down colours and posted the top score of 86 for his new side, an innings that included 8 maximums. Shannon shared a 5th wicket stand of 71 with Liam Hayman, as the hosts recovered from the loss of Ally Shields to the second ball of the day to post 196. Ani Chore made 31 at the top, while there were three wickets for Jamie Magee and two apiece for Andy White and Rob McKinley. South African paceman Kerwin Mungroo was brought in to take top-order wickets and he certainly delivered with a five wicket haul that had the defending champions all out for 115.

Jason van der Merwe's return to Muckamore colours was a successful one as the former Irish youth international top-scored with 60. He shared an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 104 in 22 overs with Jamie Magowan (38*) after the Moylena side had been wobbling at 39 for 4 chasing 164 against Cliftonville Academy at the Castle Grounds - the three wickets falling to Andrew Forbes. In the CA innings, there were starts for Adam Kelso (29), Kian Hilton (28), and Matty McCord (20), while there were wickets for Sam Magee (3-24), Raj Biswa (2-25), and Sathish Suresh (2-32) in a morale boosting victory for Muckamore.

Closest game of the day was at Belmont where CIYMS lost a last over thriller to Waringstown by one run. CIYMS went into the last over needing 8 runs with three wickets in hand and after losing Jacob Mulder to a run out Allen Coulter got it down to 3 required off 3. Koekemoer bowled a wide to Mark Best then with his next two deliveries bowled Best and last man Angus Farrell. It had looked like all the world a home win as Chris Dougherty made 107 from 115 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), sharing a 4th wicket stand of 128 in 23 overs with Tyron Koen (63). However from 201 for 3 in the 40th, CIYMS fell just one run short. Earlier, Greg Thompson's hard hit 64 from 47 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes), and a James McCollum half century (53) laid the platform for their 249 for 8 - Tian Koekomoer (34) and Adam Dennison (23) also in the runs.

Only two double figures scores in the Lisburn innings but when one of them is 138* it hardly matters! Faiz Fazal carrying his bat throughout 11x4, 4x6 in his marathon effort. He shared a second wicket stand of 119 with Nigel Jones, who hit 7 fours in his 59. There were four wickets for Jordan Neill (4-44) as Lisburn ended on 238 for 8. The CSNI reply never got going with new signing Ryan Macbeth dismissing Neill in the first over on his way to 4 for 24. Josh Manley was also among the early wickets as they reduced the hosts to 17/5. There was only one double figure score in the CSNI innings, Ireland U19 player Harry Dyer who finished unbeaten on 29 (5 fours) - Extras second with 18 on a day to forget for the hosts with a 158-run loss.

A half century for John Glass and a five wickets haul for Glen Adams ensured Ballymena ended their campaign on a high as they beat bottom of the table Belfast by 83 runs.

Armagh secured the win they needed to keep their promotion hopes alive but it was ultimately in vain. Quintin Dreyer's 6 for 33 saw Cregagh bundled out for 101 - Aaron Johnston's 27 the best of a disappointing end of season effort. Jamie Rogers (41) and Dreyer (31) were in the runs as they passed their modest target in the 18th over despite three wickets for Graeme Hassard (3-16).

Run machine Atish Varape scored his 6th league hundred taking his tally to 1222 runs as Donacloney Mill beat Drumaness SK by 145 runs. Varape hit 25 fours and 3 sixes in his 91-ball 157, adding 135 in 12 overs for the 6th wicket with Stuart McCart (36*) after Shane Warren's rapid 59 (11 fours). A final total of 354 was always daunting but there was certainly respectability in the chase thanks to Neil Gelston's 61 - four wickets for Alex Ogle and three for Varape who had another day to remember.

Stephen Chambers' 70 helped Lurgan to a 40-run win over Laurelvale at Pollock Park. Peter Maxwell chipped in with 27 in the hosts 180 for 9 - five wickets for Davaid Sinton. A fine bowling display restricted the visitors to 140 - three wickets for Maxwell, plus two apiece for Paul Stafford, Adam Johnson and Syed Ali.

A 320 run third wicket partnership between Templepatrick captain Ross Bryans and Aussie professional Sam O'Mahony looked to have sealed their promotion to the Premier League before the change of innings. Bryans 168 included 9x4,14x6 and O'Mahony's 136, 16x4,3x6. And indeed it was a case of 'they think it's all over' when O'Mahony's opening burst claimed Ryan Beckett, Ivan Sinovich and Craig Lewis - 4 overs 3-6 his final figures, as Templepatrick look forward to playing in the top section of local cricket for the first time in their history.

With weather preventing play at The Cloughan the wait goes on for Templepatrick, who now have two more chances to seal promotion to the Premier League. Their first comes at Derriaghy next Saturday, when their only challengers, Armagh will be hosting Cregagh.

With The Cloughan unplayable Templepatrick must wait at least another week to confirm promotion to the Premier League.

Lurgan's challenge to table topping Templepatrick ended with defeat to already relegated Belfast in a high scoring encounter. Stephen Chambers century for Lurgan trumped by Hamza Hussain's unbeaten 158 as he steered his side home with three balls to spare.

Lurgan kept their mathematical hopes of the Section One title alive with a one-sided victory at home to DSK. Both they and Armagh are eight points behind Templepatrick each with two games to play while Templepatrick will be crowned champions if they win any of their final three fixtures. Veteran off spinner Paul Stafford the destroyer of the visitors to Pollock Park, his five wicket haul ensuring the win for his side and a boost to their NRR that lifts them above Armagh into second place in the table.

Templepatrick's wait to be crowned Section One champions goes on for another week after their game with Belfast fell victim to the weather. While their vastly superior NRR means they are champions in essence already, it will be rubber-stamped if they can beat Armagh next weekend.

Armagh kept alive the title race after a comfortable 8-wickets win against Drumaness Superkings at The Mall. DSK were bowled out for 101 despite 30 from Amit Pattnaik and Neil Walsh's 25. William Mann (4-32) and Michael Hoey (3-18) did the bulk of the damage. Neil Gelston (2-28) struck twice in the chase but Sam Wilson's 25 and an unbeaten 37-ball 45 from Quintin Dreyer (4 fours, 2 sixes) saw Armagh coast to victory in the 22nd over.

Cregagh picked up the points with a 38-run win over Ballymena on a day when showers were never too far away. Jonny Moore's 36 and Michael Glass taking four wickets were the highlights of the home side's 142. Michael Glass scored 32 of Ballymena's 98 all out - four wickets for Daniel Henry, three for Mrutyunjay Rout, and two for Craig Boultwood.

Muhammad Ajmal and Adnan Malik were to the fore as Laurelvale ran out easy 9-wickets winners over Donacloney Mill. Ajmal took five wickets for just eight runs as DM were bowled out for 111. The league's top-scorer Atish Varape made 34 taking his season tally to 937 but received little support in a disappointing performance. The reply was one-sided with Adnan Malik hitting an even-time unbeaten 64 (6 fours, 4 sixes) sharing an unbroken second wicket stand of 76 with Adam Speers (16*) following the loss of opener Mark Thornbury (10).

Lurgan moved into third place in the table with a 6-wickets (DLS) win over Derriaghy at Pollock Park. In a disappointing batting effort, the Queensway side could only get to a modest 99, thanks primarily to a late blast by top-scorer Ivan Sinovich who hit 3 sixes in his 25, and 20 from opener Ryan Beckett. Callum Grieve took three wickets, while there were two apiece for Paul Stafford, Peter Maxwell, and Darwish Nazari. A second wicket stand of 49 between Stephen Johnston (30) and Reghard Els (23) ensured the chase was fairly straightforward despite two wickets in two balls from Sinovich (2-9).

Ross Bryans powerful half century ensured Templepatrick widened the gap to 12 points at the top of Section One and all but seal their place in the top flight for the 2025 season. Bryans unbeaten 61 came from only 34 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes) as his side posted 155 for 5 - 27 apiece for Sam O'Mahony and Richard Greer, plus 20 for Mark Thompson. Michael Burns picked up three wickets, while David Sinton claimed a brace. The reply saw Laurelvale always behind the rate, in spite of a half century by Khurshid Subhani (3 fours, 3 sixes) and an unbeaten 23 by Adam Speers. The margin was 30 runs and such is the superior NRR advantage that Templepatrick have, it would take something truly exceptional to deny them even if they lost their final three matches.

Lurgan returned to winning ways as they chased 162 to beat Ballymena in tough conditions at Eaton Park. John Glass made an obdurate 48 as the home side ground out 162 for 7 - Sam Glass making 40, and three wickets for Darwish Nazari. Michael Glass took three wickets in a tense chase, but Stephen Johnston's 52 proved decisive in the four-wickets win.

Quintin Dreyer and Matthew Wright played starring roles as Armagh beat Donacloney Mill by 65 runs. Dreyer made an even time 76 (8 fours, 3 sixes) as Armagh made what looked a modest 131 - three wickets apiece for Matthew Lyttle and Atish Varape. The home side though were bundled out for just 66 despite 31 from Varape. Matthew Wright claimed 6 for 43, while Dreyer completed a fine all-round effort by taking 4 for 23. Armagh are second in the table, 8 points behind leaders Templepatrick who also have a game in hand.

Derriaghy made light work of a rain-adjusted target of 178 in 40 overs as they romped to a seven-wicket win in just the 23rd. Ross Bailey made an unbeaten 60 (8 fours, 1 six) sharing an opening stand of 54 with Jonathan Bell, whose 35 included seven boundaries. Craig Lewis cleared the ropes three times in a quickfire 29, while Ross Glover made an unbeaten 26 in a one-sided contest.

Babar Khan's five-wicket haul ensured victory for Laurelvale at Cregagh. The home side made a disappointing 128 with Jonny Moore (21) and Ali Watt (20) their two main contributors. Khan had the excellent analysis of 5-25, while there were three wickets for Adam Speers and two for Michael Burns. Adnan Malik (40) and Mark Thornbury (34) shared an opening stand of 93 to all but settle the contest, although they did falter with the finishing line in sight losing five wickets to Bob Moore (3-25) and Mrutyunjay Rout (2-19).

Templepatrick continued their march towards the Section One title as they beat Drumaness SK by 6 wickets in a rain-affected match at the Cloghan. DSK struggled against the home side attack as they were bundled out for just 81. Ross Bryans claimed three wickets, while there was two apiece for Ben Cave, Michael Stewart and Sam O'Mahony. Bryans then hit an unbeaten 20 as they eased to their revised target of 76 in the 26th over.

Section One's leading run-scorer Atish Varape (872) recorded his fourth century of the season as he and Aaron Kennedy (103) piled on the runs at Cregagh. Varape stroked 17 boundaries in his 118, sharing a second wicket partnership of 143 with Kennedy (6 fours, 4 sixes). A total of 303 for 5 was always going to be imposing and even more so as the hosts slipped to 23 for 5 in the reply, Bob Moore made an even-time 54 (6 fours, 2 sixes) adding 90 for the sixth wicket with Craig Boultwood (44*), but they ended 159 runs adrift on 144 - four wickets for Aaron Kennedy and two each for Timmy McClure and Mark Hanna.

Laurelvale fought back strongly to inflict an 8-wicket defeat on Derriaghy. The Queensway side had made a strong start through Ryan Beckett - who hit 7 fours in his 58 - and Ross Bailey (28), but from 79 for 1 they lost their way to 170 all out, not helped by Renco Adams' second-ball dismissal. There were three wickets apiece for Babar Khan, David Sinton, and Jack Burns. The chase was straightforward, as Adnan Malik and Mark Thornbury put on 96 for the first wicket. Thornbury hit 7 fours in his 75, while Malik's 76-ball unbeaten 93 included 7 fours and 6 sixes - the 8-wicket win achieved with 11 overs to spare.

Take a good look, you may never see another card like this - 10 wickets for 13 runs for Templepatrick's Aussie Sam O'Mahony.

A win for DSK that lifts them off the bottom of the table above Belfast.

Templepatrick open the gap at the top of the table to eight points with a demolition of Laurelvale.

Adam McCormick's half century helped Cregagh to a crucial win over league leaders Lurgan in a victory that now means just four points separate the top six teams in the most competitive league in the country. McCormick hit 7 fours in his 38-ball 54 to take the hosts to 144 for 6 - two wickets apiece for South African professional Reghard Els and the evergreen Paul Stafford. McCormick then turned his focus to the ball and got the prize scalp of Els who laboured for 18 balls making just 6. Stephen Chambers (44) and Stephen Johnston (33) ensured the margin of the loss - 20 runs - didn't do too much damage to their NRR. It's shaping up to be an exciting final conclusion to the league over the next month.

An unbroken 3rd wicket stand of 252 between Glen Adams and John Glass was the catalyst for Ballymena's whopping 166-run win at home to Laurelvale. South African overseas player Adams hit 14 fours and 6 sixes in his unbeaten 155, while Glass just missed out on his century, ending 98 not out from 90 balls (11 fours, 2 sixes) as the Eaton Park side racked up 324 for 2. Adams and Glass then took a combined seven wickets in the reply, with only Michael Burns (57*) and Adam Speers offering any resistance.

Jaiswal Jagdishnaraya's 80 inspired Drumaness Superkings to a six wicket win as they chased 280 to beat Belfast at Mallusk, sharing a second wicket stand pf 103 with Ravikiran Shanbogue (47). Earlier there were half centuries for Mohammed Choudhary (67) and Jaydee Oliver (62), and nearly one for Hamza Hussain (49).

Lurgan continue to set the pace in Section One after their 100-run win over Donacloney Mill at Pollock Park. Reghard Els made an unbeaten 104 (8 fours,1 six) adding 119 for the third wicket with Stephen Chambers (59), having earlier put on 88 for the second wicket with Stephen Johnston (51) in their total of 250 for 3. Atish Varape made 54 in the reply, while Shane Warren also made 43, but they still finished 100 adrift. Darwish Nazari claimed 4 for 21, while the experienced duo of Paul Stafford (3-29) and Peter Maxwell (2-40) were also in the wickets.

Ross Bryans unbeaten 58 helped Templepatrick to a four wicket win at home to Cregagh and into second place in the table. Three wickets apiece for Michael Stewart and John Busby dismissed the Belfast side to 131. The chase wasn't all straightforward with two wickets apiece for Adam McCormick and Alastair Watt. Sam O'Mahony hit 5 fours in a quick 27, but it was Bryans who played the decisive knock, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes in his half century.

Cregagh revived their promotion hopes with a six wicket win at bottom of the table Drumaness Superkings. Adam McCormick took four wickets as the home side were bowled out for 155 - Neil Walsh making 35. McCormick then showcased his all-round abilities by thumping 8 fours and 2 sixes in a 38-ball 55, adding 83 in 11 overs with Sarthak Kareer (27) to make the result a formality.

Derriaghy moved level on points with Lurgan at the top of Section One thanks to another powerful display, with Reece Malone again among the runs. Batting first, Belfast struggled with Ferhan Saeed scoring 52 (5 fours, 3 sixes) out of their total of 116. Craig Lewis took 4 for 39, while there were three wickets for professional Renco Adams and two for Wayne Hughes. Early wickets for Mohammed Sameer had the Queensway side wobbling slightly at 22 for 3, but Malone thumped seven fours and four sixes in his 38- ball unbeaten 60, adding an unbroken 95 in 10 overs for the fourth wicket with Ryan Beckett (30*).

Armagh kept their promotion hopes alive with a 49-run home win over Templepatrick at The Mall. Quintin Dreyer's 31 was the best of their 180, with four wickets for Michael Stewart and Bryn McCallan taking 3 for 24. The visitors' chase couldn't get going as they were bowled out for 131 - wickets for Michael Hoey (3-46), Matthew Wright (2-20) and Harry Doyle (2-30).

Reece Malone - more renowned for his rugby prowess - showed his all-round sporting ability with a brilliant unbeaten 98 to guide Derriaghy to a three-wicket win over Cregagh. Malone hit 14 fours and 3 sixes in his 97-ball knock, adding 105 for the 5th wicket with the ever-consistent Craig Lewis, who made 57 (6 fours, 2 sixes). Earlier, Cregagh's 235 for 7 was based around half centuries from Noah Kelly (58) and Craig Boultwood (53).

Donacloney Mills' fine season continued as they had an excellent four wickets win over Ballymena at Eaton Park. Andrew Bingham and Atish Varape have been in exceptional form and this continued with Bingham's five wicket haul seeing Ballymena bowled out for 195 - runs for Sam Glass (45), Michael Glass (41), and Glen Adams (30). Varape - the leading run scorer in the division then made an unbeaten 105 from 111 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes) as he and Philip Derby (30*) shared a match winning stand of 112 for the 5th wicket.

A second wicket stand of 138 between Adnan Malik (76) and Mark Thornbury (70) guided Laurelvale to a 79-run win over bottom of the table Drumaness Superkings. David Sinton chipped in with an unbeaten 33 in their total of 285 for 6 and then claimed four wickets in the reply. Adam Speers picked up three scalps as DSK were bowled out for 206 in the 44th over.

Lurgan continue to be the surprise package of Section One with their 44-run win over Belfast at Pollock Park reaffirming their position at the top of the table. Stephen Chambers top-scored with 30 in their 176 for 9 with runs too for Johnny Hunter (28), Callum Grieve (24) and Jack Maxwell (20). Jaydee Oliver ground out a defiant half century in the reply, but despite his endeavours Belfast were bowled out for 132 - three wickets apiece for Reghard Els and Peter Maxwell.

The heavy rain of the past few days put paid to any chance of play at the Village Ground.

Armagh suffered an amazing collapse in their game with Donacloney Mill at The Mall. Chasing 200, all was going to plan at 83 for 0 with Sam Wilson (44) and Jamie Rogers (33) well set, Then the wheels fell off as Andrew Bingham broke the stand, then dismissed Quintin Dreyer and Michael Villiers first ball to claim a hat-trick on his way to 4 for 16. Atish Varape also got four wickets as 83 for 0 became 95 for 8 - the rain arriving shortly afterwards with the total on 106 for 9. Earlier, Varape top-scored with 58 (6 fours), while Shane Warren made 44 (6 fours, 1 six) in DM's 200 - five wickets for William Mann, and two apiece for Brydon Laing and Harry Doyle.

Hard-hit half centuries from Adam McCormick and Adam Beattie powered Cregagh to a convincing 146-run win at Laurelvale. McCormick hit 5 sixes and 3 fours in a top score of 60 from just 36 balls, while Beattie's 29-ball half century included 4 sixes and fours. There were runs too for Nikhilish Ravikrishnan (41) and Noah Kelly (31) in a total of 247 - three wickets for Michael Burns. The home side struggled in the reply, with only Daryl Henry (28) and Adam Speers (24) in the runs as they were bowled out for 101 - four wickets for Graeme Hassard (4-22) and three for Daniel Henry (3-7).

Lurgan are the surprise leaders of Section One after a four wickets win at home to Ballymena. Michael Caithness (37) and Glen Adams (27) were their main contributors for the Eaton Park side in a total of 163 for 9 - three wickets for Darwish Nazari, plus two apiece for Paul Stafford, Jack and Peter Maxwell. Lurgan were indebted to a third wicket partnership of 106 in 19 between Reghard Els (66) and Stephen Chambers (50), eventually sealing victory following a mini wobble as John Glass took three wickets.

Glen Adams magnificent seven wickets haul bowled Ballymena to a 24-run win over Belfast in a low-scoring affair at Eaton Park. Adams claimed 7 for 26 with Michael Glass taking 3 for 20 as Belfast could only make 102 chasing what looked like a modest target of 126. Extras with 22 were the highest scorer for Ballymena, with Sameer Mohd taking three wickets.

Cregagh overcame Armagh in a high scoring game with some hard hitting on both sides. Nikhilesh Ravikrishnan hit 13 fours and 4 sixes in his 97, sharing a 5th wicket stand of 108 in 18 overs with Craig Boultwood (34). There were runs too for Adam Beattie (39), Jonny Moore (32), Jay Hunter (26) and Aaron Johnston (24) in a Cregagh total of 299 - four wickets for William Mann. The target looked achievable with in-form South African Quintin Dreyer racing to 98 from 71 balls - 15 fours, 3 sixes - adding 101 for the third wicket with Michael Villiers, who hit 8 fours in his 71. However, from 183 for 2, Craig Boultwood's five wickets saw The Mall side dismissed for 250.

Donacloney Mill made light work of a 244-run target as Indian professional Atish Varape went on the rampage. In a savage display of controlled aggression, he hit 25 boundaries in an unbeaten 151, adding 70 for the third wicket with Neil Kilpatrick (27) and an unbroken 119 in 14 overs for the fourth with Matthew Lyttle (16*). Earlier, Neil Gelston scored an unbeaten 69 (8 fours, 1 six), while opener James Cunningham's 42 also included 8 fours.

Lurgan won again as they beat Laurelvale by 60 runs in an entertaining contest. Skipper Stephen Johnston stroked 7 fours in his 64, sharing an opening stand of 124 with Johnny Hunter (42). Reghard Els then clobbered 8 fours and 3 sixes in a hard-hit 97 to get Lurgan to 296 for 8 - four wickets for Jack Burns. Daryl Henry took two wickets and just missed out on a century in the chase - stranded on 99 (9 fours, 5 sixes) as the hosts were all out for 236 - four wickets for Syed Ali.

Derriaghy stalwart Craig Lewis was the hero for his team in a 36-run win at Templepatrick. Lewis made 90 from 88 balls (7 fours, 4 sixes) as the Queensway side posted 206 - Renco Adams making 31. Lewis them took three wickets with the ball as the hosts were kept to 170, despite 43 from Ross Bryans and 36 from opener Robert Smith. The win ensures Derriaghy stay top of Section One and on course for an immediate return to the Premiership.

A punishing unbeaten 195 from South African professional Quintin Dreyer powered Armagh to a 3-wicket win over Ballymena at The Mall. Dreyers bludgeoned 14 fours and 13 sixes in his 119-ball stay, adding 137 in 16 overs for the sixth wicket with countryman Bryden Laing (45) after they had been wobbling on 90 for 5 chasing 285. Earlier John Glass had also shown his power on his way to 124 off 108 balls (15 fours, 3 sixes) as he and Glen Adams (77) added 181 for the third wicket as Ballymena made 284 for 7. It looked a challenging total, but that didn't account for the destructiveness of Dreyer.

A third wicket stand of 84 between Ross Bryans and Sam O'Mahony (46) helped Templepatrick to a total of 213 at the Factory Ground. Bryans hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in his 43-ball innings, while there were runs too for Robert Smith (36) and Richard Greer (21). Atish Varpe took four wickets and top-scored with 32 in the chase. A 7th wicket stand of 72 between Matthew Lyttle and Mark Campbell - who each made 31 - kept the game in the balance, but four wickets for John Busby and three for O'Mahony clinched a 27-run win for Templepatrick.

Sam Wilson's century helped Armagh to an 11-run win over Lurgan in a match played over two nights at The Mall. Wilson hit 9 fours and 4 sixes in his 101, sharing a crucial stand with Harry Doyle who scored 63 as Armagh made a challenging 255. Lurgan made a brave fist of the chase, with Jack Harrison (63) and Reghard Els (44) making runs. In the end though, two wickets apiece from Matthew Wright and Quintin Dreyer kept the Pollock Park to 244 for 9 in an entertaining contest that could have gone either way.

A struggle for Lurgan after being asked to bat, losing captain Stephen Johnston in the first over and Aussie Reghard Els in the second, both without scoring. Callum Grieve (39) and Stephen Chambers (19) with the only double figure scores as the innings folded, three wickets for Daniel Henry and two each for Graeme Hassard and Alastair Watt. What looked to be a straightforward chase for Cregagh got off to the worst possible start as Els took revenge for his own dismissal by removing Jay Hunter lbw first ball of the reply, and doubling up, bowling Paul Douglas in the same over, Cregagh 3/2 after 1 over. Danny Cooper and Aaron Johnston steadied the ship adding 34 before Cooper was stumped, a wicket for the evergreen Paul Stafford with Els taking his third leaving Cregagh 57/4 at the halfway stage. It looks like it will be Aaron Johnston or nobody to win this for Cregagh as they lose another two wickets. Still 34 needed and only 4 wickets left - overs not a problem surely? Make that three wickets left as Stafford gets his third, Bob Moore lbw without scoring. Johnston gone! A second wicket for Peter Maxwell and scoring at a standstill, can Cregagh creep across the line from here? Lurgan are going to have to find another bowler here if 42 overs = 2x9 & 3x8. Els and Stafford have bowled 9 each and John Guy 8. So here comes Darwish Nazari - Maxwell has bowled 6 so they may actually need a sixth bowler! Not required in the end as Alastair Watt and Daniel Henry add an unbroken 23 for the ninth wicket and the win.

A comfortable win for the home side after posting a healthy 154 in their 20 overs. Craig Lewis the only batter in their first seven not to reach double figures but he made up for that with the ball. James Cunningham hit three Sixes in his Superkings top score of 28 but three wickets from Wayne Hughes knocked the visitors back before Lewis picked up four leaving Ross Bailey to deliver the coup de grace with the final two in his fourth over.

An unbroken tenth wicket partnership of 42 saw Belfast snatch the points from the home side in this high scoring encounter. All looked lost for the visitors at 257/9 before Naveem Ahmad launched his assault blasting 4x4 and 4x6 including one to seal the win in his 45* off only 18 deliveries. His partner Shoaib Maqsood contributing 2 to the partnership. Earlier it had looked like Ryan Matthews had made the game safe for 'Cloney Mill with 73 and 4 wickets but it was not to be. A quickfire 80 from former Woodvale player Ferhan Saeed set Belfast on their way but it will be Ahmad's effort that will stick in the memory of his side and the throats of his opponents.

A nail-biting finish at the Factory Ground saw the home side creep across the line by the narrowest of margins. Cregagh's total of 195 featured a 66 run fourth wicket partnership of 66 between Craig Boultwood and Aaron Johnston. But as partnerships go it was surpassed by the tenth wicket unbroken 25 between Andrew Bingham (17) and Timmy McClure (6) that saw Donacloney Mill to the win.