How the Warriors must be sick of the sight of Max Sorensen's bat- the Hills' pace man also involved in a 93-run last wicket stand with Fintan McAllister at Bready just six weeks ago that wrestled the reverse fixture away from the hosts. 

Albert van der Merwe was Sorensen's partner-in-crime this time, the pair coming together with the total on 190 for 9 and the visitors on top.

An excellent effort in the field and with the ball had earlier given Andy McBrine's men a real foot-hold in the contest, Craig Young (4-74), Stuart Thompson (2-45), Ernest Kemm (2-56) and Johnny Thompson (1-24) all among the wickets after Jarred Barnes had bowled superbly for scant reward on his Warriors debut. 

Bill Coghlan held the top order together with 12 fours in his 61 before he became the third of Craig Young's four victims while Cormac McLoughlin did his reputation no harm either with a timely 30 (4 fours).

Cameos from Eddie Richardson (17) and John Mooney (16) kept the board ticking along however with the last pair together and the total still shy of 200 an upset looked on the cards. 

Then came the Sorensen and van der Merwe show- the former hitting 5 fours in his patient 68 while the YMCA skipper is just one short of his half century when battle resumes on Wednesday morning.

The visitors will of course feel they are still well in this contest, however they need to split the last pair pretty sharpish before they set about chasing down that 300 plus.

NEWSTALK INTER-PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

At Malahide, Day 1 close of play

LEINSTER LIGHTNING 299-9 (105 overs, M Sorensen 68*, B Coghlan 61, A van der Merwe 49*, C McLoughlin 30, C Young 4-74, S Thompson 2-46, E Kemm 2-56) v NW Warriors.

Play resumes Wednesday at 11am