After surviving 90 overs in the heat earlier in the day the NCU U18s scored a 24 run win over a completely new District North side in a T20 night match.

The Knights batted first and after a bright start by Aaron Johnston (26) and Marcus McClean (14), Collins took 5-16 for the hosts in just 3 overs to leave the U18s struggling.

But John Matchett batting at number 10 hit a breezy 28 for the last wicket with Sam Gordon (9) to set District North 135 to win. The final total with one over unused was boosted by 28 extras.

For District North, Kyle hit 32 not out and at the half way stage they were 56 for 4. But tight bowling (only 4 extras) from Aaron Wright (3-19) and Morgan Topping (2-11) ensured a comfortable final victory for the Northern Knights Under 18s. 

NCU U18s 134 (19 overs) J Matchett 28, A Johnston 26, Collins 5-16
District North U18s 110-9 (20 overs) Kyle 32*, A Wright 3-19, M Topping 2-11, J Mitchell 2-21
NCU U18 beat District North by 24 runs

Postscript

It was a very enjoyable evening and a great experience playing under the lights. Some of the non-playing members of the touring party recalled fond memories of a match under lights at Deramore in the 2002 season after NICC had moved from Ormeau and become Belfast Harlequins.