There is little doubt that the North West Warriors are a team very much on the improve but Bobby Rao will feel his charges still have some way to go after the first of their three-day Interprovincial game at home to Leinster Lightning.

This time last year the Warriors were being completely outplayed by Trent Johnston's boys but despite losing the toss in bowler friendly overhead conditions at Bready, the North West team went toe-to-toe the southerners for the majority of the day's play.

Rain had a big say in proceedings- only 49 overs in total were possible- however despite a very cautious start the hosts fought back well.

They recovered from the early loss of Jason Milligan to reach 78-1 at one stage with David Barr and Niall McDonnell coping easily with everything the bowlers sent their way.

Lightning were handed the breakthrough however when Barr seemed to lose his concentration and played all around one from Max Sorensen and they were right back in the hunt minutes later when Stuart Thompson was out-thought by the same bowler.

It was 93-4 soon after as Andy McBrine was adjudged to have feathered one to keeper Fintan McAllister although the Warriors skipper clearly didn't agree.

Niall McDonnell and Andrew Riddles then got the Warriors back on track with a 35 run stand before both fell to false shots- McDonnell for an excellent 53 (6 fours) and Riddles for 31.

Ernest Kemm and Johnny Thompson tried to battle it out for the final 30 minutes play- the Brigade man facing 18 balls without scoring before appearing to play one on from John Mooney as the Warriors slumped to 144-7 overnight.

It was a hugely disappointing end to a day in which the home side were probably worth a deal more It promises to be a enthralling second day and action at Magheramason gets under way at 11am.