Kyllin Vardhan's unbeaten 113 ensured the NW Warriors remained in total control of their Hanley Energy Championship contest against the Northern Knights at Downpatrick. The South African stroked 18 boundaries in his innings, playing very positively early on after the early losses of Craig Averill (0) and David Rankin (1), both trapped lbw by the impressive Neil Gill (2-31). Vardhan's freedom perhaps coming from the Warriors first innings lead of 108 runs.

Vardhan totally dominated a third wicket stand of 54 with Coleraine team-mate Scott Campbell, who made just 6 from 46 balls before holing out to Gill at deep midwicket off James Cameron-Dow (1-63). Stuart Thompson made 32 in an enterprising partnership of 80 with Vardhan taking the overall Warriors lead to 246. Donemana professional Jan Frylinck joined Vardhan and both employed a low risk strategy as they put on a further 73 runs in just over 23 overs to extend the Warriors lead to 320 runs when stumps were pulled for the day.

Earlier, three of the Warriors quartet of Irish international bowlers reduced the Knights' batting to shreds, as Andy McBrine (3-31), Graeme McCarter (3-34) and Craig Young (3-44) shared the wickets. Chris Dougherty made an entertaining 40 out of 59 for 5, but it was former Irish Under 19 international Shane Getkate who saved his team from total humiliation. Getkate top scored with a powerful 78 from 79 deliveries (9 fours, 3 sixes), before being last man out with just 164 on the board.

It remains to be seen if a more adventurous approach in the final hour would have been a more fitting strategy for a Warriors side looking to win their first match in the longer format. There's no doubt that the Knights will mount a much more determined rearguard action, and their talented line-up won't disintegrate for a second time in the game.

It promises to be an enthralling final day at Strangford Road when the action resumes at 11am (free entry).

HANLEY ENERGY INTER-PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP - Day 2, close of play
North West Warriors 272 and 212/4 (63 overs, K Vardhan 113*, J Frylinck 46*, S Thompson 32, N Gill 2-31)
Northern Knights 164 (47 overs, S Getkate 78, C Dougherty 40, A McBrine 3-31, G McCarter 3-34. C Young 3-44)
NW Warriors lead by 320 runs with 6 second innings wickets standing.
Play continues on Tuesday at 11am.