Knights Gain Initiative After Warriors Late Collapse
Warriors late collapse hands knights initiative
A late collapse by the North-West Warriors has handed the Northern Knights the initiative at the end of the first day of their Hanley Energy Interprovincial Championship match at Comber.
The Eglinton pair of Ross Allen and Stuart Thompson shared a stand of 93 in 175 balls to take the Warriors to 150 for 2 after they won the toss and opted to bat.
However, on a day where play was interrupted by rain showers at regular intervals, Thompson seemed to lose his concentration and was caught behind by Jamie Magowan off Nikolai Smith for 46.
That was the catalyst for a flurry of wickets, seven falling for 58, the last five of which added just 17 runs as the Warriors ended the day on 208 for 9.
Ross Allen top scored with a resolute 81 from 179 deliveries, the Eglinton left-hander striking 13 fours.
The Knights bowling unit stuck to their task well throughout the day, with Waringstown’s Gary Kidd the most successful taking 3 for 36.
There were also two wickets apiece for Jacob Mulder (2-37), Nikolai Smith (2-30) and Graeme McCarter (2-37).
With more showers forecast for the second day, the Knights will be hoping to build a lead as quickly as possible in an attempt to force a positive result. However, that may play into the hands of the Warriors as the pitch showed signs of offering assistance to the bowlers as the day progressed.
Play at Comber resumes today at 11am.
Hanley Energy Interprovincial Championship,
The Green, Comber, 1-4 August.
Northern West Warriors 208/9
(68.2 overs: R Allen 81, S Thompson 46, A McBrine 23, G Kidd 3-36, J Mulder 2-37, Nik Smith 2-30, G McCarter 2-37)
