LEINSTER Lightning look well placed to defend the Newstalk Interprovincial Championship after a 65 run win over North-West Warriors last night.

Despite a plucky 87 by Andy McBrine, the Warriors were all out for 227 shortly before 6 o'clock on the last day of the three-day match.

Lightning skipper John Mooney backed his bowlers to deliver after declaring yesterday as soon as Finto McAllister was out for 71.

Set a steep 293 to win, and 11-3 after 10 overs, Warriors middle order knuckled down to pass 200 for the first time.

But Mooney (3-71) and Albert Van der Merwe (4-54) ensured Lightning claimed the points.

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Ireland batsman Andrew Balbirnie achieved the rare feat of a century in both innings in Middlesex's Second Eleven Championship game at Hampshire.

The Pembroke bat followed his first innings 137 with 136 not out.

Meanwhile, at College Park, the Irish Daily Star clocked up a one-wicket win in their very first game.

The Sunday Independent made 83-6, but an unbeaten 23 by Michael Hughes and 15 by Gordon Manning ensured Ireland's Brightest Daily won with five overs to spare.