Richard White NCU PRO & Wylie McKinty

The Gallagher Senior Challenge Cup quarter finals took centre stage this weekend. In the end there was no 'Giant Killing' feat, as the final three Section 1 sides departed this years competition.

Holywood looked capable of upsetting Instonians, however they fell 43 runs short in chasing 243 to win. James Shannon (44) and Robert McKinley (58no) helped set the target, after a shaky start. Mark Adair with 52 runs top scored for Holywood, assisted by Paddy Beverland (36) and Nathan Burns (37).

The all Premier League clash was won convincingly by CSNI, as they defeated North Down by 153 runs. Andre Malan turned in the ultimate all round performance, scoring 140 runs and taking 4 wickets.

The other two fixtures between Premier League and League 1 teams proved to be one sided, as CIYMS defeated Downpatrick by 251 runs, and Waringstown overcame Derriaghy by 238 runs. Alan Coulter took six wickets for only six runs for CIYMS, and for Waringstown the match winners were Greg Thompson with 93 runs, and Gary Kidd taking four wickets.

The four semi-finalists are: Instonians, CIYMS, CSNI, and Waringstown.

Saturday Results
CIYMS beat Downpatrick by 251 runs
CSNI beat North Down by 153 runs
Instonians beat Holywood by 43 runs
Waringstown beat Derriaghy by 238 runs

Allen Coulter and Shane Matthews		Andre Malan, Peter McMorran and Clarence Hiles
Robert McKinley and Jim Millar		Greg Thompson and Clarence Hiles

NOTE: The draw for the Semi Finals of the Gallagher Challenge Cup will take place on Monday 18th May 2018 at 6.00pm in Shaw's Bridge Sports Association.