Leinster Lightning regained the Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Cup with a convincing 79 run win over challengers Northern Knights at Waringstown.

Skipper John Mooney claimed 4-25, and Yaqoob Ali 3 for 20 as the Knights were dismissed for a disappointing 138 all out in pursuit of a relatively moderate Lighting total of 217. Only CIYMS professional Rassie van der Dussen (22), managed to withold the rampant Leinster attack, who were always in control.

Earlier, the sixth wicket stand of 89 in 98 deliveries between Clontraf's Eoghan Delany (48) and Merrion's Dom Joyce (36) proved pivotal  after the game had been evenly poised at 101 for 5.Max Sorensen had thumped 39 from just 34 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) in an entertaining cameo in the Leinster innings.

Knights skipper Andrew White (4-44) and Lee Nelson (2-49) on his home ground  were the pick of the NCU attack.

The focus now switches to the three-day championship, with play getting under way at Stormont on Monday at 11am.

Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Cup - The Lawn, Waringstown CC

LEINSTER LIGHTNING 217 (49.5 overs, E Delany 48, M Sorensen 39, D Joyce 36, A White 4-44, L Nelson 2-49)
NORTHERN KNIGHTS 138 (35.4 overs, R van der Dussen 22, J Mooney 4-25, Y Ali 3-20)
Leinster Lightning beat Northern Knights by 79 runs