10 hours ago
Sam Topping and Jared Wilson lead the way as Warriors avenge earlier defeat to Northern Knights
Waringstown left-hander Topping has been a revelation since his move to the North-West and his prolific form continued as he carried his bat through the innings, making an unbeaten 71 from just 57 balls (six fours, one maximum) to take his side to 181 for six.
He shared a third wicket stand of 62 in eight overs with Andy McBrine, who hit four boundaries in a breezy 32, while Jared Wilson gave the innings late impetus with a quickfire 19.
A heavy shower saw the Knights chasing a revised target of 81 in just seven overs, but the consensus was it could be done given the firepower in their ranks.
However, the chase was soon in tatters with two of their big guns — international openers Paul Stirling and Ross Adair both back in the pavilion inside two overs.
The carnage continued with Jared Wilson taking three wickets in an over, followed by three wickets in three balls in the next over bowled by McBrine, as six wickets were lost for just three runs — 24 for two becoming 27 for eight.
No.10 Sean Davey was top-scorer with 10 as the Knights couldn't even bat their seven overs — all out for 42.
Wilson had an excellent four for 15, while McBrine and Graham Hume each picked two wickets in the comfortable win.
'It's very nice to get off to a winning start at this Festival after losing the last two games in Cork,' said skipper McBrine afterwards.
'We've talked about energy levels where we've tended to start quite well then drop a wee bit. Hopefully this week will see a change of mindset.'
McBrine paid tribute to the efforts of Topping and Wilson, who played such a pivotal role in the victory.
'Sam (Topping) has been excellent all year. That's four 50s and a century he has now. He's been in great form and hopefully that will continue. He's a brilliant lad to have around the camp and has really fitted in.
'Jared Wilson bowled exceptionally well and got his just rewards with a four-fer.
'He bowled a great line and length and those three wickets in the over effectively ended the game.'
In the afternoon game, defending champions Leinster Lightning secured another bonus point win as they beat Munster Reds by six wickets.
Barry McCarthy's new-ball burst had Munster reeling on 16 for four inside the powerplay, accounting for Swapnil Modgill, Kian Hilton and Sulieman Safi, while Melvin Deveraj got the prize scalp of in-form Stephen Doheny.
Former Ireland Under-19 captain Philippe Le Roux staged a recovery as he thumped 11 boundaries in an entertaining 80, but a final total of 122 for nine was never likely to trouble the powerful Dubliners line-up.
Skipper Lorcan Tucker led the charge as he top-scored with 45 sharing stands of 42 with Chris De Freitas (39) and 35 with George Dockrell. Eight were needed off five balls to secure the extra point when Tucker was dismissed, but Seamus Lynch took needed two in a ruthless display.
Meanwhile, the draw for the Semi-Finals of the Gallagher Senior Challenge Cup was made at Stormont, throwing up two intriguing ties.
Woodvale will be aiming for a first final appearance in 25 years as they entertain favourites Waringstown, while Instonians, whose last win was in 2012, take on last year's beaten finalists Lisburn in a match that will have a bit of extra edge following their controversial T20 Group campaign.
The ties will take place on Saturday July 5, with the reserve date Sunday, July 13.
