MAX SORENSEN'S four wicket haul means it's advantage Lightning after an incredibly long, and for the most part attritional second day of the Hanley Energy Championship game at Stormont.

Further rain delays and an early tea meant a marathon final session of 53 overs, with play continuing until just before 8 o'clock.

Half centuries from John Anderson (60) and Simmi Singh (55) took Lightning to 139 for 2, but in their quest to accelerate the run-rate wickets tumbled, as the Knights' attack finally got their rewards.

The last eight wickets added just 66 runs as Lightning were dismissed for 205.

There were three wickets apiece for James Cameron-Dow (3-35), Shane Getkate (3-41), and Robert McKinley (3-78).

In reply, the Knights lost opener James McCollum (6) cheaply, but the CIYMS pairing of Chris Dougherty and Rassie van der Dussen accumulated steadily, and at 56 for 1, there was no sign of the drama that was to follow.

Sorensen (4-23) returned to the attack to dismiss both, and from then Lightning assumed control, as they strangled the life out of the Knights' innings.

At one stage, six wickets had fell for just 43 runs and at 99 for 7, there was a real chance that the Knights could be dismissed before the close of play.

The enigmatic James Shannon however stood resolute, making 33 not out, as he and his Shaw's Bridge team mate Jordan McClurkin negotiated the final 13 overs to finish the day on 126 for 7.

It seems likely that the game will end in a draw, barring an imaginative final-day declaration from Lightning skipper John Mooney.

Play gets under way on Wednesday at 11am and there is free entry for all.

HANLEY ENERGY INTER-PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

At Stormont, Day 2 of 3

LEINSTER LIGHTNING 205 all out (70.3 overs, J Anderson 60, S Singh 55, J Cameron-Dow 3-35, S Getkate 3-41, R McKinley 3-78)

NORTHERN KNIGHTS 126/7 (53 overs, C Dougherty 37, J Shannon 33*, R van der Dussen 24, M Sorensen 4-23, E Richardson 2-16)