11 hours ago
James McCollum and Morgan Topping inspire dominant Northern Knights success against Leinster Lightning
Chasing 154, Cade Carmichael hit a breezy 29 to get the NCU side off to a fast start before they were rocked by two wickets in an over from Matt Hollard.
That was to be the end of the success for Leinster, as the Waringstown duo pummelled an understrength attack to all parts in a match-winning stand.
McCollum top-scored with an unbeaten 65 from 36 balls (five fours, four sixes) while Topping cleared the ropes six times in a belligerent 58 not out that came from only 24 deliveries.
The pair brought up their century stand in eight overs, and in all added 117 in just 52 balls to complete the demolition job.
Cian Robertson was the pick of the Knights attack who did well to restrict Leinster to 153 for seven, with the left-arm Instonians spinner taking two wickets.
Abidullah Taniwal hit a quick-fire 40 but it was too little, too late in a one-sided contest. Andre Botha's side will be glad of the return of their six Irish internationals for the rest of the Festival.
It was a good day for the Ulster sides, as earlier the Warriors opened their account with a 29-run win against hosts Munster.
Former Sussex player Sam Topping was the batting hero for the North West side, clearing the ropes four times in an entertaining top score of 67, sharing half-century stands with Andrew Balbirnie (26) and Jake Egan.
Egan made an impressive 47 (two fours, three sixes), adding a further 55 for the third wicket with Scott Macbeth (34) as they looked set to post in excess of 200.
However, the tail failed to wag as they lost five wickets in quick succession to finish on 191 for seven — three wickets apiece for John McNally and Josh Manley.
The hosts' chase started poorly, with the Warriors taking some excellent catches in a superb fielding effort that reduced Munster to 101 for seven.
It seemed the contest was all but over, but McNally had other ideas as he thumped three fours and four sixes in a 39-ball 64, adding 57 in just four overs with Bakhtyar Nabi (28).
That left 34 needed from the last two overs, but McNally's dismissal was quickly followed by the run out of Nabi, giving the beleaguered Warriors their first win of the season.
Meanwhile, the postponed Ulster Schools' Cup Final will be played on Wednesday at Pirrie Park (3pm).
The decider features two sides with contrasting fortunes over the years in the blue riband format that was first played back in 1974.
Holders RBAI are vying for a record-extending 14th triumph while at the other end of the spectrum, opponents Sullivan Upper are searching for a first victory.
Sullivan's solitary appearance came back in 2010, when current Irish international Ross Adair scored a half century in a loss to Foyle and Londonderry College.
Inst will be favourites with their line-up boasting five NCU Premiership players including skipper Adam Leckey. The CSNI and Ireland Under-19 all-rounder has been in prolific form in the competition, taking a hat-trick and scoring a century en route to the decider. It will be Leckey's fourth appearance in the Final, another record.
Sullivan will need to be at their best and hope that the magic of the Cup goes in their favour against the powerful force that is RBAI.
