WHEN the North West Warriors were bowled out for a second time in mid-afternoon, the smart money was on a two-day finish in the RSA inter-provincial against the Northern Knights at Eglinton.

After all, the visitors needed only 158 and they had a possible 55 overs to get the runs. The longest innings in the match had lasted 60 overs so the Warriors also fancied dismissing their opponent in the same time.

In the event it was all to play for on the final day with the Knights, in their first championship match of the series, still requiring 61 runs but with only five wickets left. It may not last long this morning but it promised to be gripping.

James Shannon would appear to be the key. He is 30 not out, the highest score by a Knights player in the match, and if he stays there is enough batting ability at the other end to see them to victory.

The Warriors are, undoubtedly, missing from the bowling attack Johnny Thompson, who confirmed he will be out for at least three weeks with a Grade 2 tear of his hamstring. He made it to the middle at No 11 - no runners are allowed in this match - and with Ricky-Lee Dougherty added what could yet be a valuable 22 for the last wicket.

Dougherty, who already has six dismissals in the innings, showed off his power hitting with half a dozen boundaries in the top score of 34, half of them sixes, and with Andy Britton also hanging around at the dizzy heights of No 10, the Warriors transformed a score of 126 for eight up into 172 all out.

Phil Eaglestone was the pick of the Knights bowlers, adding another four to his impressive wicket-taking haul this season but the other three main bowlers also chipped in with two apiece, including the captain, Andrew White who picked up two in two, his second the unfortunate Niall McDonnell for a king pair (two first ball dismissals).

The Knights innings has so far mirrored their first with a strong start and a folding middle, but the last four wickets added 66 first time around. Same again will do them nicely.