After a poor start with a weakened team against Downpatrick, Woodvale won their third match in a row to take top spot with a convincing 7 wicket victory over Dundrum at Ballygomartin Road. Professional Sujit Khalbor led the way with an unbeaten half century as the home side cruised home. Earlier Paul Robinson (5-39) and Richard McKeown (3-36) hustled Dundrum out for 116. This result not only puts Michael Irwin's side top but boosts their confidence for next week's revenge mission at Downpatrick in the Ulster Bank sponsored Challenge Cup.

Previously unbeaten Derriaghy came a cropper at Queensway when visitors Bangor chalked up their first win of the campaign in a game dominated by Andrew Nixon. The Bangor all rounder made a superb 130 not out in a total of 293-5 with Kuda Samunderu (46), Chris Burns (32) and Paddy English with a lusty 31 also contributing. In reply the home side were heavily reliant on Kaushik Aphale whose 125 was a major contribution in a final total of 217. Nixon and Samunderu with 3 wickets each completed a good day at the office.

Playing their first League game of the season Templepatrick went down at Downpatrick where the home side had a comfortable 5 wicket victory. In a total of 180-9 for the visitors teenager Jay Hunter compiled a stylish 66 with the home professional Amit Patil taking 4-24. In reply Patil was also to the fore with a half century with veterans Gavin Ringland (40) and Paul Tate (36) guiding their side home.

In a surprise result at Mallusk pre season favourites for the title Carrickfergus slumped to a heavy 106 run defeat at the hands of Cliftonville whose professional Avadhoot Dandekar continued his excellent form with 72 out of a total of 148 - next highest was 15. In reply the visitors never recovered from a poor start and were bowled out for 42 with Ryan Eagleson top scoring with a gutsy 15no. The home side's opening bowlers were in command with Colin Davidson taking 5-11 and he was ably supported by Alan Bain with 3-23.

Finally at Pollock Park the home side were too strong for Holy wood and completed an easy win by 73 runs. Batting first Lurgan were indebted to their professional Niranjan Godbole whose 156 was his third century against Holywood in recent seasons - a closing total of 274-9 was an imposing target for the visitors. Despite valiant efforts from Kieran Donnelly (63) and Richard Kerrigan (40) the visitors fell well short in the chase with Neil Anderson, bowling for the first time for many seasons due to injury, taking 4-29.

NEXT FIXTURES - SATURDAY 31st MAY
Bangor v Cliftonville
Dundrum v Lurgan
Holywood v Downpatrick
Carrickfergus v Templepatrick
Woodvale v Derriaghy

                    P    W    T    L  NR/V  Pts
Woodvale            4    3    0    1    0   12
Cliftonville        3    2    0    1    0    8
Derriaghy           3    2    0    1    0    8
Downpatrick         3    2    0    1    0    8
Lurgan              3    2    0    1    0    8
Bangor              3    1    0    2    0    4
Carrickfergus       3    1    0    2    0    4
Dundrum             1    0    0    1    0    0
Templepatrick       1    0    0    1    0    0
Holywood            2    0    0    2    0    0