Johnny Morton

The draw for the Gallagher Challenge Cup semi-finals took place this afternoon (Thursday) at Stormont prior to Ireland's Twenty20 international against South Africa.

Defending champions CIYMS have been drawn away to CSNI while North Down will host Instonians at The Green.

James Cameron-Dow led the way for CIYMS in the quarter-finals, scoring his first club century (104) as they recorded a 90-run victory over Woodvale following an opening round win against Carrickfergus.

CSNI have reached this stage by progressing past Armagh before a comprehensive 178-run victory over Section One leaders Derriaghy where Ross Adair (111) struck a century and Matthew Foster (5-63) and Luke Georgeson (5-40) both picked up five-wicket hauls.

CIYMS vs CSNI will be a repeat of the 2016 final which CSNI won by five wickets at The Green.

North Down have been in impressive form throughout the Gallagher Challenge Cup, beating Cliftonville Academy and they also eased past Lisburn by nine wickets last Sunday with Aniruddha Chore (69*) top-scoring after Ryan Haire (5-23) helped limit the home side to 155.

Instonians have a superb record in this competition in recent times, reaching five finals in the last decade – including a triumph in 2012 over North Down – and were in the showpiece decider in 2019.

They successfully navigated their way past Ballymena in the first round before beating Cregagh in the quarter-finals after James Hunter scored 86*.

North Down and Instonians also met in the 2009 final where current Instonians captain Andrew White scored a half-century in an eight-wicket win.

Ahead of the matches which will be held on Sunday, 1st August, NCU chairman Sam Beckett said:

"The Gallagher Challenge Cup is a competition everyone involved with cricket in the Union looks forward to and we are all excited about the two semi-finals that have been drawn. We would like to thank our sponsors Gallagher once again for their continued support and we can't wait for two thrilling encounters on Sunday 1st August."

Shane Matthews, NI Managing Director at Gallagher, added:

"The Gallagher Challenge Cup produced four brilliant quarter-finals and our representatives at each tie enjoyed the occasion and were impressed by the standard of cricket on show. We are excited by the two fixtures that have been drawn and wish all four teams the best of luck."

GALLAGHER CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINALS (Matches to be played on Sunday 1st August:
CSNI v CIYMS
North Down v Instonians

Gallagher Challenge Cup Match Summaries