Johnny Morton

Half-centuries from Adam Dennison (76) and James McCollum (52) helped Waringstown maintain top position in the Robinson Services Premier League with a four-wicket victory over CSNI.

A depleted CSNI side batted first at The Lawn and posted 201-9 with Andrew Cowden (64) leading the way while he was supported by Ross Adair (32) and Corin Goodall (26). Greg Thompson (3-31), Lee Nelson (2-41) and Andre Malan (2-49) all combined for the home team to limit their opponents to what was always likely to be an under-par total.

Dennison and McCollum put on 93 for the first wicket before the latter was caught behind off the bowling of Ben Mackey (3-36) but Dennison remained and helped break the back of the run chase before he was also caught off Mackey. The Villagers eased over the line with 15 overs to spare and underlined why they may be title favourites this season.

North Down remain on their tail and just four points off the pace after a third century of the season from Aniruddha Chore (121*) helped the Comber outfit to a comfortable nine-wicket win against Lisburn. Faiz Fazal (67) once again starred for Lisburn as they were bowled out for 188 with Peter Davison (4-56) and Peter Eakin (3-29) doing most of the damage.

Chore and Alistair Shields (47) put on an opening stand of 142 before the latter was caught off the bowling of Matthew Humpreys, but Chore finished unbeaten with his runs coming from 105 balls to secure a fifth league win of the season for North Down.

There was also an impressive victory for Instonians as they beat Carrickfergus by six wickets at Middle Road. Ben Rose (4-27) continued his fine form and only Jacques Snyman (74) fired for the home side as they were bowled out for 169.

Jack Dickson (71) has thrived this season at the top of the Instonians order and recorded a third consecutive half-century before he was dismissed by CJ van der Walt (2-37). Instonians only needed 30 to win at that point and sealed a comfortable victory with Oliver Metcalfe (47) also contributing.

Defending champions CIYMS picked up four points at Ballygomartin Road with a three-wicket triumph against Woodvale. The two teams were meeting for a second time in six days and the hosts would have been happy with their batting performance as Ruhan Pretorius (95) led them to 248.

There was early success in their defence with Chris Dougherty (0) caught off the bowling of Ferhan Saaed but it was a real team effort that got CI over the line as John Matchett (60), James Cameron-Dow (39), Jacob Mulder (34*), Graham Kennedy (25) and Nigel Jones (20) all chipped in. That secured an important win and leaves the Belmont side eight points off top spot at the halfway stage of the campaign.

The action continues next Saturday with a full round of fixtures before Sunday's Gallagher Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Robinson Services Premier League (31st July):
CIYMS v CSNI
Instonians v Waringstown
Lisburn v Woodvale
North Down v Carrickfergus

Robinson Services Premier League