Cade Carmichael's 92 and a fine bowling fightback late in the day saw Emerging Ireland close in on victory going into the final day of their four-day match with West Indies Academy at Comber.

Resuming on 65 for 2, Chris De Freitas, Stephen Doheny and Morgan Topping all fell in the first hour of the day to leave Pete Johnston's side on 95 for 5.

Cade Carmichael

A sixth wicket stand of 88 put the hosts back in the ascendancy, with Carmichael's 92 including 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Gavin Hoey hit five boundaries in his 37.

There were vital late runs too for Matthew Humphreys (25*) and Liam McCarthy (24) in a final total of 274.

That set the visitors a target of 344, and former Saintfield pro Kadeem Alleyene set about the task with relish. He clubbed 9 fours and 4 sixes in an 84-ball 92, sharing an opening partnership of 151 with Akeem Auguste (47) to put a major dent in the chase.

Ireland's bowling unit - minus the injured Tom Mayes (side strain) - looked to be wilting, but bounced back to once again grasp the ascendancy.

Liam McCarthy took 3 for 24, while Gavin Hoey picked up two and Matthew Humphreys one to complete an excellent day's action.