Leinster Lightning came tantalisingly close to winning their RSA Inter-Provincial clash against Northern Knights inside two days, but despite claiming the extra half hour were unable to clinch the win with what was effectively the last pair at the wicket.
Irish international James Shannon was suffering back pain and won’t bat in the second innings, meaning Leinster will need just the one wicket when play resumes tomorrow at 11am.
That the contest goes into a third day can almost solely be attributed to a marathon batting effort by Knights opener Chris Dougherty.
The left-hander carried his bat in the first innings making an unbeaten 60 from 127 balls (6 fours, 1 six), and was one of the few Knights players who showed the application and technique necessary for the longer format of the game.
Johnny Terrett (26) and Nathan Waller (10) were the only other Knights players to reach double figures as the North County duo of John Mooney (3-18) and Eddie Richardson (3-24) combined to skittle them for just 123.
Leinster skipper Kevin O’Brien enforced the follow-on with a 241 run advantage, and despite the early wickets of Terrett and Lee Nelson, found the Knights batsmen a much tougher proposition second time around.
Greg Thompson (34), Andrew White (29) and Zac Rushe (32*) all offered support to the resolute Dougherty, who again showed incredible concentration and temperament to defy all that Lightning threw at him.
His vigil was eventually ended on 69 when he was well caught by Poynter off Richardson – he had faced 165 balls (10 fours, 1 six), making a total of 292 deliveries in total – just 8 balls short of a full ODI innings.
Pat Collins (2-10), Eddie Richardson (2-24), and Albert van der Merwe (2-55) all claimed two wickets as Lightning completed another near perfect day.
The scorecard can be found by clicking here.
Cricket Ireland
Pat Collins claimed two wickets late to bring Leinster close
Yes
