Chastening Defeat for the Lightning Against the Northern Knights
The Leinster Lightning suffered a 7-wicket defeat to the Northern Knights as an unbroken stand of 71 between Harry Tector and Gary Wilson saw the visitors home.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first on the used surface at Pembroke, the Lightning were immediately on the back foot as two wickets from Mark Adair and another from Graeme McCarter saw the home side reduced to 4/3.
Simi Singh (44) and Andrew Balbirnie (41) put on 71 for the fourth wicket and, though at a slow rate, they threatened to drag the Lightning back into the contest.
However, the loss of Singh LBW to Shane Getkate (3-19) signalled the start of three wickets for five runs in four overs.
Tyrone Kane (10) and Balbirnie put on 24 for the seventh wicket but once Kane was bowled by Jacob Mulder (3-5), the tail collapsed with four wickets for ten runs as the Lightning were bowled out for 114 inside the 36th over.
The Knights showed their intent from the off with Mark Adair (27 off 17) opening the batting with James McCollum.
Peter Chase (2-36) took both their wickets before Barry McCarthy (1-20) bowled Marc Ellison, leaving the Knights 44/3 and with just a little doubt in their minds at lunch.
Harry Tector (35*) and Gary Wilson (35*) showed no nerves after the break however as they safely guided their side to a 7-wicket victory.
Test Triangle 50-over Cup, Leinster Lightning v Northern Knights
Thursday June 27th
At Pembroke Cricket Club;
Leinster Lightning 114 a/o 35.3/50 overs (S Singh 44, A Balbirnie 41; J Mulder 3-5, S Getkate 3-19, M Adair 2-19)
Northern Knights 115/3 21.5/50 overs (H Tector 35*, G Wilson 35*; M Adair 27; P Chase 2-36)
Northern Knights win by 7 wickets