News

Despite all of Day 2 being lost to the rain, all three results were possible in the last hour of an enthralling Hanley Energy IPC match between the Knights and the Warriors
Nathan Smith had double cause for celebration on Thursday evening after his determined rearguard ensured the Northern Knights secured a draw, was followed by the news that he had been included in the Irish squad for the first time.

Smith denied the Warriors along with Gary Kidd as they survived 11 overs to ensure their Knights side collected 10 points to the Warriors 8 in the latest Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Championship game at Comber.

After the second day was lost to the elements, the sides came to an agreed chase, with the Warriors declaring twice and the Knights forfeiting their first innings.

The target was set at 293 in 74 overs and it provided the assembled spectators with an enthralling contest which ebbed and flowed throughout.

Every time the Knights looked to be gaining the upper hand, the Warriors fought back with wickets at crucial junctures.

The top nine Knights batting all reached double figures, but none was able to play the truly commanding knock that would have made the chase an ultimately successful one.

Skipper James Shannon top scored with 59 from 85 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) adding 66 for the 3rd wicket with James McCollum (40).

Steve Lazars (3-54), Craig Young (2-41) and Andrew McBrine (2-49) kept chipping away at the Knights batting, and at 252 for 8 with 27 minutes remaining, it seemed the Warriors had the game in their grasp.

However Smith and Kidd battened down the hatches with Smith occupying 64 priceless deliveries in his unbeaten 22, while Kidd was equally resolute in his 7 from 25 balls.

An absorbing contest in which all results were possible going into the final half-hour, and credit to both teams for what was a wonderful advertisement for the first-class game in Ireland.

The teams meet again on Sunday at The Lawn in a 50-over contest with the Knights needing a win if they are to keep alive their cup hopes.

HANLEY ENERGY INTER-PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

At Comber, Northern Knights (10pts) drew with NW Warriors (8pts)

WARRIORS 208-9 dec and 84-1 dec (D Barr 42*, I Butt 20*)

KNIGHTS 264-8 (J Shannon 59, J McCollum 40, C Dougherty 29, G Thompson 28, Nat Smith 22*, S Lazars 3-54, C Young 2-41, A McBrine 2-49)

Cricket Ireland
Nathan Smith survived 64 deliveries for his 22 to secure the draw before being included in the Irish squad for the first time
Yes
Connaught