Instonians’ resurgence continues with their most impressive league victory of the season so far, toppling favourites CIYMS at an excited Shaw’s Bridge.
A victory target of 264 didn’t faze Nikolai’s Smith side and even without Ireland chairman of selectors Andrew White they eased into a four-way tie at the top of the table with five wickets and 13 balls to spare.
Robert McKinley, in his new role as opener, batted through the innings, reaching his century at the start of the 48th over but it was the previous eight balls which had ended any doubt about result, Daniel Rose hitting Ed Nuttall for two sixes in an over which went for 19, also including two wides.
Rose finished 38 not out from 22 balls, while professional Shane Dadswell had done the big hitting earlier with 82 from 56 balls, which included eight fours and five sixes.
Lisburn inflicted a first defeat of the season on Waringstown with Faiz Fazal batting through the champions’ innings to score 147 of his side’s 302 for five although Adam Berry, after a nightmare start to the season came good with an undefeated 58 from just 35 balls.
The unbroken stand of 139 put the champions in sight of their fourth win and despite half-centuries from Greg Thompson and Pat Botha, Waringstown could total only 211, with Johnny Bushe not batting because of a finger injury.
North Down are the other co-leaders after bowling out Carrickfergus for 99 which was 73 runs less than Ali Shields and Ani Chore put on for the home side’s first wicket, Chore the third opening batsman to carry his bat, for 137.
Woodvale opener Ludwig Kaestner batted until the 48th over, scoring 151 but that was left in the shade by Ruhan Pretorius’ astonishing 230. He hit 28 fours and nine sixes as the Ballygomartin side amassed 422 for six. Thanks to a century from Patrick Kruger, Derriaghy fell just five runs short of 400 in their reply!
CSN were the day’s other winners, denying Cliftonville Academy in another brave chase by 15 runs.
In the North West, Killyclooney are the surprise joint leaders after beating Strabane by four wickets. They share top spot with Brigade who hammered Eglinton by seven wickets, chasing 250 with opener Ifti Hussain finishing 167 not out.
Three points behind and now clear of the chasing pack are Fox Lodge who went into the Donemana den and came away with a three wickets victory, although Gayan Maneeshan was dropped before he had scored; he went on to top score with 81.