The prestige NCU women's knockout trophy reaches the semi-final stage on Sunday with four Premier league teams aiming to claim their place in the final, scheduled for Sunday 30th August.

The first semi-final of the day sees cup holders CSNI on the road to play former winners Lurgan in what will be a tricky away tie for the holders.  CSNI, having Sophie Thomas top performers with the bat and Abi Leckey in fine form with the ball (2-15). However, CSNI will need to continue their good season form if they want to claim a place in the final and retain the trophy.

CSNI's opponents, Lurgan, had a comfortable 67 run win against Carrickfergus in the previous round with Hinds top scoring with the bat and impressive bowling figures from Orr 3-11, Todd 2-8 and Rainey 2-8 making it a tough match for Carrick.  Lurgan will be hoping home advantage also counts to enable them to stake a claim for a place in the final.

In the second semi-final last year's finalists, Muckamore, are also on the road with a tough assignment away to Waringstown.  In their previous round Muckamore defeated Holywood by 149 runs with top scorers Amy Caulfield 58no and Jo Logan 58 leading the way with the bat.  Holywood had a tough day against some fine Muckamore bowling with Nikki Niblock 4-16, Fiona Murray 2-9 and Becky Hall 2-1. 

However, Muckamore will have to be on top form to overcome a strong Waringstown team who have recruited wisely this season and have been performing well so far.  In the previous round they overcame a youthful Instonians side in a rain affected game by 9 wickets on run rate.  Captain, Charlotte Lyons, will be looking forward to leading her young side out on Sunday at the Lawn. 

All four teams will be looking forward to their games on Sunday and with two closely matched ties it will be interesting to see which two teams claim their place in the final on Sunday 30th August.

Semi-final Games
Lurgan vs CSNI – 11am, Lurgan
Waringstown v Muckamore – 1pm, The Lawn

Gallagher Women's Challenge Cup