The North West under-17s got the better of their Northern Union counterparts on Wednesday afternoon, posting a 2-wicket win in an entertaining game at Drummond.

The visitors batted first and were indebted to a fine half century from Paddy Beverland to get them going. The Civil Service North teenager hit 7 fours in his 57 and found a willing partner in Jay Hunter (27*).

Ross McCay (3-25) and Aaron McDermott (2-17) were best with the ball as the Belfast side posted 148 all out in 47 overs.

The home side struggled early on as Charles Power (4-34) and Stuart Nelson (3-37) kept the NCU well in the hunt. Ross Dougherty with 35 levelled things up but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

In the end it took a decisive 32* from Ardmore's Ryan Brolly to finally get the North West lads over the line, with just 2 wickets to spare in the end.

The action continues tomorrow at Coleraine when the NW entertain the Southern XI.

At Drummond, North West under-17s beat NCU under 17s by 2 wickets.

NCU 148-10-47 (P Beverland 57, J Hunter 27*, R McCay 3-25, A McDermott 2-17)

North West 149-8-41.2 (R Dougherty 35, R Brolly 32*, C Power 4-34, S Nelson 3-37)