NCU Challenge Cup holders Instonians survived some nervy moments before securing a semi-final place at the expense of Lurgan at Shaw's Bridge on Friday night.

Eugene Moleon's team were grateful for five dropped chances as they won by four wickets with nine balls to spare and booked a last-four date with Civil Service North.

Carleon Broom was the hero with an unbeaten 28 from just 18 balls, but Lurgan will bitterly regret the moment they dropped the West Indian when he had made just two. Broom went for a big shot in the 28th over off the superb Charlie Crasborn (2-13) but the fielder put down the simplest of chances at third man.

Chasing a target of 150 to win in a game reduced to 32 overs per side, Inst still needed 13 off the final two overs. But from the first delivery of the 31st over bowled by Jamie Holmes Broom lofted to long-on where the fielder made a misjudgment and could only palm the ball for four.

Broom then finished the game in style, first smashing Holmes back over his head for six and next ball he finished the game with an even bigger maximum over long-on.

Earlier, Neil Russell, who struck five fours and a six in his 37 and John Stevenson (36) added 59 for the first wicket.

Lurgan's total of 149 was built around a 68-run stand between Niranjan Godbole (37) and James McCollum.

Ulster Bank Challenge Cup: Lurgan 149-6 (J McCollum 38, N Godbole 37, N Smith 3-32, C Broom 2-34). Instonians 153-6 (N Russell 37, J Stevenson 36, C Crasborn 2-13, P Stafford 2-25, N Godbole 2-29),

Instonians won by four wickets.