The final match in the Newstalk inter-provincial match was careering towards a two-day finish after 23 wickets fell in a hectic opening day at Eglinton.

North West Warriors, despite being bowled out for 137, after losing the toss, had an unlikely lead of 56 at the close as the inexperienced and much depleted Northern Knights side were dismissed for 119.

The Eglinton pitch may have been helpful to bowlers but it was not a 294 for 23 pitch. Rather, it was some irresponsible batting, good bowling and a number of positive umpiring decisions which led to one of the most entertaining days of the summer.

A crazy run-out in the second over of the day set the tone – and the standard – although Gary McClintock was exempt from any criticism. The Donemana player, who had top scored for the Warriors in their last match, did it again yesterday, with 57, including nine fours and two sixes, including a memorable sweep for six which lost the ball among the tarpaulins at mid-wicket.

After nine token overs of pace with the new ball – Shane Getkate bowled only three overs all day – spin dominated the rest of the innings and the fielders held their catches.

There were two leg before decisions, with Johnny Thompson the unhappiest recipient, although the Brigade all-rounder was on the wrong end of two more appeals in the second innings when he ended up standing beside the wicket-keeper in amazement.

Four Knights batsmen were on the receiving end with Johnny Terrett and Chris Dougherty looking particularly unlucky, although at least the CIYMS skipper had 37 runs to his name by that stage, one of only three to reach double figures.

Ross Allen, the Warriors debutant, came on as the seventh bowler and impressed in an accurate six-over spell to take the last two wickets and give the home side their surprise lead.

It left them with 55 minutes batting before the close and although Scott Campbell made it through to the close, he lost three partners, including Allen, the nightwatchman who lasted only three balls before being James Cameron-Dow's fifth victim of a remarkable day.

James Shannon hobbled out of the ground, with assistance, last night after a powerful square cut from David Rankin hit him just below the knee when fielding at silly point. He is hoping it is only a soft tissue injury but he may have to give up today's action if he is to have a chance of playing in Instonians' big triple-header this weekend.