WITH a comfort in total contrast to their first innings effort, inter-provincial championship holders Leinster Lightning got out of Clontarf with a draw after Northern Knights had dominated the first two days.

Starting the final day 293 runs behind, with all 10 second innings wickets standing, Lightning lost only two all day and none in the last three hours 20 minutes as John Anderson and Simmi Singh put on an unbeaten 146 with not a hint of a chance.

Conditions were, to be fair, also a total contrast to the second day with threatening clouds replaced by bright sunshine and, in perfect batting conditions, the Knights bowlers could make no impact. North Down leg spinner Jacob Mulder took both wickets and, in truth, was the only bowler who looked like taking a wicket.

Fellow leg spinner Greg Thompson was economical but unthreatening and even Lee Nelson, who does not even bowl himself regularly at Waringstown, was give seven overs.

Graeme McCarter was unable to add to his five first innings wickets and Phil Eaglestone also did not get the seam and swing he enjoyed on Wednesday. James McCollum, who bowled with good pace and took a wicket in the first innings, surprisingly, was given the one token over before tea.

With runs not an issue, Lightning could just bat, with any runs scored a bonus. Indeed, Anderson did not hit a boundary until his 116th delivery and had added only two more when he brought up his 50 from 160 balls. He was beaten to the landmark by Singh who got there 16 balls quicker with an extra four.

But long before the finish, Lightning's unbeaten record in this competition, now in its fourth year, was secure.
The teams meet again next week with the Knights having home advantage at Stormont, starting on Tuesday, but Lightning must immediately turn their attention to Twenty20 mode as the first game of that series is tonight in Merrion against the North West Warriors (5pm).

Ireland international opening bowler Craig Young is a doubt for the game, he was being assessed last night, but is hopeful of taking his place in a Warriors side which includes two professionals, Eglinton's Oraine Williams and Fox Lodge's Marco Marais. Brigade slow bowler Jonny Robinson, the leading wicket-taker from last season, has also been called up.

Lightning: J Anderson (capt), Yaqoob Ali, J Carroll, G Dockrell, D Joyce, T Kane, K O'Brien, A Poynter, E Richardson, S Singh, M Sorensen, L Tucker

Warriors: A McBrine (capt), A Gillespie, J Barnes, R-L Dougherty, O Williams, Gary McClintock, W McClintock, M Marais, D Rankin, J Robinson, S Thompson, C Young.

Championship scores: At Castle Avenue, Northern Knights 1st inns 371-8 dec (J Shannon 85, N Smith 77, S Getkate 64 not out, G McCarter 43) Leinster Lightning 77 (G McCarter 5-24) and 222-2 (93 overs; S Singh 75 not out, J Anderson 68 out, J Tector 35, D Joyce 32, J Mulder 2-62). Match drawn.