Irish international Andrew White showed all his experience to guide his Northern Knights side to a nail-biting two wicket win against the NW Warriors at Comber in the RSA Inter-Provincial Cup.
The wily White made an unbeaten 64 from 61 balls (8 fours, 1 six) as the Knights successfully chased down 232 at a sun drenched Comber.
Former Irish international Nigel Jones had given the innings early impetus striking 4 sixes and 6 fours in a rapid 72 from 67 deliveries, dominating an opening stand of 57 with Johnny Terrett (20).
The Knights were always in control of the run chase despite a few late wobbles with Johnny Thompson (3-50) and Andy McBrine (2-30) the pick of the North West attack.
Earlier Thompson had led a fine rearguard action as he smashed 86 from 82 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), to help the Warriors recover from a precarious 104 for 7.
He was well supported by Ricky-Lee Dougherty (27) as the pair added 91 for the 8th wicket much to the delight of the large crowd wishing to see a competitive encounter.
Waringstown left-armer Phil Eaglestone (3-17) had blown away the top order removing new skipper Niall McDonnell (0), Stuart Thompson (5) and Iftikhar Hussain (1) to leave the visitors reeling on 11 for 3.
Opener David Rankin batted with great style for a well made 52 (8 fours) as he anchored the innings in the early stages before Thompson’s pyrotechnics.
The teams switch to T20 mode tomorrow, again at Comber, being joined by Leinster Lightning. Action in the first match gets under way at 11am between the Knights and Lightning, while the home side take on the North West in the second game at 3pm.
Cricket Ireland
[352] Andrew White – white-andrew
Yes
