It was a case of honours even as the Emerging Knights and Lightning Bolts played a two-match T20 series at Laurelvale on Sunday.

It’s the first in a series of planned matches between the sides as they look to give fringe players a taste of interpro action and ease the pathway into the senior set-up.

The Bolts batted first and showed signs of journey weariness as they could only muster 94 for 9 in their 20 overs.

The tone was set after Stephen Bunting bowled Nic Pretorius in the first over, and apart from 35 from Oliver Gunning (5 fours) and 18 from Hills keeper/batsman Mark Donegan there was little to cheer.

Bunting, Peter Eakin and Shane Getkate each took two wickets, while there was one apiece for Luke Allinson and Carl Robinson.

Defending a small total, Bolts’ Tom Anders (1-8) and Jarred Barnes (1-10) kept things tight, but Nikolai Smith hit an unbeaten 48 (3 fours, 2 sixes) to ensure no dramas in a routine chase.

Mark Adair hurried the end, also thumping two sixes in an undefeated 24 as the eight-wicket win was secured with 25 balls left.

Adair – released by Warwickshire last season – was again in the runs in the second match. He top-scored with 40, hitting 4 sixes and 2 fours in a quick-fire 40.

The introduction of Ben White saw the momentum switch, as he had Adair caught by Pretorius in a wicket maiden.

White went on to claim 4 for 16, also dismissing Nikolai Smith, Peter Eakin and Stephen Bunting as the Knights finished on 141 for 7.

Shabe Getkate clubbed 5 fours and 2 sixes in a rapid unbeaten 39, while North Down all-rounder Carl Robinson also cleared the ropes twice in a hard-hit 26.

Gareth Delany (4), Stephen Doheny (13), and Oliver Gunning (2) went cheaply as the Knights looked to be on course for their second win.

However, an unbroken 4th wicket stand of 94 between Mark Donegan and Nicolaas Pretorius ensured equality.

Former Ireland Under 19 international Donegan hit 5 fours and 2 sixes in his undefeated 63, while Pretorius hit 3 sixes and 2 fours in his quickfire 42 not out.

Both coaches paid tribute to Laurelvale for their splendid hosting of the game and their verdict was that this was an excellent work-out for both teams ahead of a busy summer of cricket.

GAME ONE
At Laurelvale, Emerging Knights beat Lightning Bolts By 8 wickets
Lightning Bolts 94/9 (20 overs; Oliver Gunning 35, Mark Donegan 18; Stephen Bunting 2-8, Peter Eakin 2-13, Shane Getkate 2-17, Luke Allison 1-12, Carl Robinson 1-16)
Emerging Knights 95/2 (15.5 overs; Nikolai Smith 48*, Mark Adair 24*; Tom Anders 1-8, Jarred Barnes 1-10)

GAME TWO
At Laurelvale, Lightning Bolts beat Emerging Knights by 7 wickets
Emerging Knights 141/7 (20 overs; Mark Adair 40, Shane Getkate 39, Carl Robinson 26*, Ben White 4-16, Tom Anders 1-14)
Lightning Bolts 142/3 (18.1 overs; Mark Donegan 63*, Nicolaas Pretorius 42*)