Half centuries from James McCollum and Shane Getkate led a Northern Knights fight-back on the first day of their Championship clash against Leinster Lightning at Comber.

Their fifth wicket stand of 91 saw their side recover from a poor morning session when they slumped to 60 for 4 to post 263.

Waringstown’s McCollum – the first player to make a first-class hundred last year in the competition – top scored with 87 from 190 balls, hitting 12 fours and one six in his innings.

He had dominated a stand of 61 with Harry Tector (10) as he sough to wrest the initiative back from the defending champions.

Skipper Getkate counter-attacked in an afternoon session which saw the Knights add 144 for just the loss of Tector.

He pierced the spaces on offer as Lightning attacked, clubbing 11 fours and two sixes in his 70 from 102 balls.

Lightning however rallied in the final session to dismiss Knights for 263, with the bowling honours being shared.

Peter Chase took 3 for 38, while debutant Jarred Barnes also claimed three – including one with his first delivery in first-class cricket, as Nikolai Smith strangled a leg-side catch to Lorcan Tucker.

Lightning negotiated a tricky 14 over spell before the close losing just the one wicket – Jack Tector, caught at slip off Nikolai Smith to close on 33 for 1.

Both captains were relatively pleased with their teams’ efforts and acknowledged it was going to be a crucial period on the second morning.

“I would have liked 300 plus,” said Getkate. “

I thought Leinster bowled extremely well in the first session which set us back. “Losing four wickets in the morning session you are always trying to claw it back from there.

“James McCollum got through that period and progressed nicely after lunch, after getting a few blows to the arm/body from their seamers.

“It was a handy partnership and one which was badly needed. I thought James McCollum’s application and tempo at the crease was outstanding. Trying to build a partnership for a long period was something we talked about as a group, so happy we were able to do that.

“The wicket is a bit two-paced at times, and inconsistent bounce will definitely play a role as the games progresses. A big day for us tomorrow, and hopefully we can get some early breakthroughs like they did and stay disciplined and apply pressure for long periods.”

George Dockrell agreed that Wednesday was going to be a pivotal day.

“We have good batting depth and the deck still looks pretty decent,” said Dockrell.

“It’s a fast scoring ground and first innings runs are going to be crucial as pitch will deteriorate as the game progresses.

“Hopefully we can get a lead and look to put them under pressure in the second innings.”

IP CHAMPIONSHIP, At Comber, Day 1 of 3

KNIGHTS 263 all out (87.3 overs; James McCollum 87, Shane Getkate 70, Neil Rock 20; Peter Chase 3-38, Jarred Barnes 3-46, George Dockrell 2-38)

LIGHTNING 33-1 (14 overs)

Continues Wednesday at 11am.