NORTH West Warriors increased their lead at the top of the inter-provincial championship to 14 points after their game against the Northern Knights at Bready petered out into a tame draw.

Resuming the final day on 98 for six, after the first day's play had been lost, Warriors skipper Andy McBrine and Graeme McCarter put on a record ninth wicket stand of 137 to give them a first innings lead of 97. Both were dismissed by James Cameron-Dow who finished with eight in the innings.

But the Knights wiped out the deficit in 27 overs and Rassie van der Dussen, given out in the second over of the match by a poor leg before decision, helped himself to 61 before the teams agreed the draw at the start of the last hour, with the visitors on 124 for two.

The pitch played at its best last night so there was no realistic possibility of Warriors pushing for the win and they were content to pick up batting points yesterday - three for reaching 250. McBrine was caught at point for 76, from 143 balls with six fours and two sixes and Graeme McCarter for 72, including five fours and three sixes.

Meanwhile, Paul Stirling celebrated signing a one-year extension to his contract at Middlesex by hitting a personal best 254 in the 2 nd XI Championship game against Glamorgan at Radlett.

The Ireland opener hit 36 fours and two sixes and shared a second wicket stand of 388 with his international team-mate Andrew Balbirnie who made 205.