INSTONIANS won the all-NCU clash in the second of the Irish Senior Cup, knocking out last year’s beaten finalists Lisburn to complete a memorable weekend.

On Saturday they defeated CIYMS to remain co-leaders in the league and yesterday found it just as easy to sweep past the Premier League champions, winning by six wickets with more than 12 overs to spare.

An opening partnership of 95 between skipper Nikolai Smith and Rob McKinley, who hit an unbeaten 101 against CI, ensured a comfortable chase after they had bowled out Lisburn for 165, professional Shane Dadswell taking five wickets.

Holders CIYMS crashed out at their first hurdle yesterday, going down to Leinster in Rathmines by 45 runs.

Chasing 270, they looked dead and buried as they slumped to 124 for 7, but an 8th wicket stand of 74 between captain John Matchett and Mark Best - a former Ulster rugby player - gave them hope.

However, Matchett fell for a fine 107 from 113 balls, which included 14 fours and 2 sixes, quickly followed by Best and the game was up for the Belmont side.

Waringstown, the most successful team in the competition, produced a fine all-round bowling performance to defend 214 at the Lawn and claim a 29 runs victory over Clontarf.

Morgan Topping came to the middle at 46 for two but was still there at the end of the innings, with a patient unbeaten 71 and although the Dubliners needed only 45 from the last nine overs with five wickets in hand, they were bowled out at the start of the 47th over with Ireland international Phil Eaglestone, on a rare outing, taking two of the wickets.

Carrickfergus were well beaten by The Hills despite a fine all-round display by Michael Rippon who took three wickets and top-scored with 79. 

Mark Donegan's unbeaten 108 from 82 balls (7 fours, 7 sixes) was the highlight of the Leinster side's 338 for 7.

Irish passport holding Australian Sean McNicholl then claimed six wickets as Carrickfergus were bowled out for 159.

North Down were well beaten by Phoenix at Comber, with Irish international Tyrone Kane hitting five sixes in a rapid 41, and Jed Wiggins making 78 as they reached their 220 target with 12 overs to spare.

Five Northern sides progressed in the National Cup, with Derriaghy, Muckamore and Cliftonville Academy winning, as well as NW representatives St Johnston and Killyclooney.