CIYMS made it an All-Ireland double after a resounding 225-run win over fellow NCU side Lisburn at Bready. Having been asked to bat, the Belmont side got a customary fast start from Ross Adair, who hit 4 fours and a six in his 32 from 30 balls. The game though was ultimately decided by a record-equalling second wicket stand of 174 between Man-of-the-Match John Matchett and Chris Dougherty. The pair matched each other blow for blow, scoring 12 boundaries apiece, with Matchett making 94 and Dougherty 93. The platform was perfect for CI, who added 101 in the last 10 overs – Jason van der Merwe bludgeoning five sixes and 2 fours in a brutal 49 from 23 balls to take them to a record final score of 321 for 6. Faiz Fazal (30) threw a few blows in the reply, but the chase never got going as Lisburn were skittled for 96. Skipper Nigel Jones took 3 for 15 including the prize scalp of Fazal, while there were two apiece for Jacob Mulder and Graham Kennedy in the one-sided win.

There will be a new name on the Bob Kerr trophy after CIYMS and Lisburn won their Irish Cup semi-finals. CIYMS ran out six wickets winners after restricting Phoenix to just 116 for 9 in a game reduced to 25 overs. Allen Coulter struck two early blows, including the free scoring Nic Pretorius. Man-of-the-Match John Matchett picked up three wickets, while overseas professional Keith Dudgeon claimed two in a highly disciplined bowling display. Adam Chester top-scored with 29 in what was in truth a poor batting effort. John Matchett got the chase off to a quick start, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes in his 55 from 54 balls and from then the result was never in doubt. Nigel Jones (18*) and Jason van der Merwe (12*) sealed the win in the 21st over.

Lisburn’s dream season continued as they pulled off something of a surprise to knock out highly fancied Clontarf with a 78-run win at Wallace Park. The win was set up by a real team effort with the bat as seven of the top eight reached double figures in their total of 231 for 8. Faiz Fazal hit 5 fours and 3 sixes in his 51, while there were runs too for David Simpson (45), Neil Whitworth (36) and breezy 20s from Adam Berry and David Miller 20. Mick Granger took 3 for 30, plus there were two wickets each for Luke Thomson and Ruan Cronje. Clontarf lost last week’s centurion David Vincent in the first over, and struggled against the talented home side attack. Neil Whitworth and Matthew Humphreys each collected three wickets as Clontarf were dismissed for 153, John McNally (32) and Aaron McGeehan (24) their main contributors in a disappointing chase.

Clontarf reached the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup with a dominant performance against Leinster at Castle Avenue. The 2013 champions set up the win with a powerful bowling display that saw Leinster’s promising early start disintegrate. Bilal Azhar (26) and Joe Carroll (19) had taken the Rathmines side to 47 for 1, before Mick Granger (2-30) broke the stand, having earlier removed overseas professional Ben Mitchell. That opened the door, and a flurry of wickets saw Leinster skittled for 88. Luke Thomson and Fionn Hand took three apiece, while David Delany and Granger claimed a brace. Clontarf had no trouble knocking off the runs, with Hand hitting 7 fours and a six in his unbeaten 58, and David Vincent 28 not out in an emphatic ten-wicket win.

John Matchett scored a century as CIYMS chased 252 to beat holders Pembroke by 5 wickets at Sydney Parade. Missing their quartet of Irish internationals the hosts would have been relatively happy at the innings break with their total of 252 for 6 – half centuries for Danny Hogan and Gavin Hoey. The latter top-scored with 68 from just 44 balls, hitting 5 sixes and fours in an excellent knock. John Matchett is proving something of a golden arm, and he followed up his five wickets in the T20 on Saturday with another two here. It was with the bat however that he really came to the fore. After Ross Adair had given the innings a flying start with 47 from 18 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes), wickets for Ryan Hopkins and Piyush Sharma had the tie in the balance at 125 for 4. However, Matchett hit 14 fours and 3 sixes in an even time 102, adding 127 for the 5th wicket with Jason van der Merwe (47*) in a real statement win for a Belmont side chasing their first Irish Senior Cup.

Phoenix’s dream of reprising their 1986 triumph remains alive after they survived a Balbriggan fightback to win by five wickets at Jack Harper Park. Wickets for Oliver Hald (4-28), Tyrone Kane (2-20), and Ben White (3-46) had the home side in all sorts of trouble at 21 for 6. The tail wagged though due to fine innings from Abdul Samad (51), Andrew Darroch (43) and Eoin Birch (22) got them up to 160. Phoenix found the going tough initially too as they slipped to 22 for 3, but a Man-of-the-Match unbeaten 91 from Nic Pretorius saw them prevail. He hit 10 fours and a six in his 109-ball innings, sharing an unbroken stand of 77 in 14 overs with Theo Dempsey (21*) as they clinched the win in the 41st over.

Another side seeking a first Irish Cup success s Lisburn, who stunned two-times champions The Hills at Milverton. An aggressive batting display saw Lisburn race out of the blocks with an opening stand of 80 in 9 overs between Jonathan Waite, who made a run-a-ball 45 (5 fours, 2 sixes) and Faiz Fazal, who hit 7 fours and a six in his 39 from 27 balls. The Hills fought their way back, but David Miller’s counter-attacking 77 from 51 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes) got them up to 248. The Hills lost early wickets in the chase, but looked well placed at 145 for 3 in the 30th over, with Murray Commins (56) and Mark Donegan (49) well set. The turning point came with the run out of Donegan, which was quickly followed by the dismissals of Levon Shields and Commins. The hosts innings tailed away despite a defiant 31 from Dylan Blignaut, bowled out for 215 in the 45th over.

North West involvement in the competition ended as Donemana lost by 84 runs against Lisburn at Wallace Park. The home side lost professional Faiz Fazal in the first over, and looked in serious trouble at 79 for 6. However Matthew Humphreys (58) added 81 for the 7th wicket with Robert Rankin (32) and 75 for the 8th wicket with Mark Berry (39*) to get them to the dizzy heights of 243. Humphreys then took three wickets, and skipper Callum Atkinson 4-36 as Donemana were bowled out for 159 despite a battling half century from William McClintock.

Holders Pembroke are through by the skin of their teeth, by virtue of losing fewer wickets. YMCA rallied from 38 for 4 to post 189 thanks to a half century from Curtis Campher who added 68 for the fifth wicket with Tim Tector (35). Barry McCarthy took three wickets and was at the crease sooner than expected as Pembroke collapsed to27 for 4. He and skipper Theo Lawson both made half centuries in a stand of 99 to get the innings back on track. Ireland youth international Reuben Wilson took five wickets but it wasn't enough as Paul Lawson got the single needed to tie the scores from the penultimate ball of the match, and Piyush Sharma survived the final ball, denying YM the chance to force the super over in a game that was worthy of the final.

The competition's most successful side, Waringstown bowed out after being well beaten by Leinster at Rathmines. Gareth Delany hit 12 fours and a six in his top score of 97 in 93 balls, sharing stands of 76 with Saqib Bahadur (27) and 72 with Chris Janik (41) as they posted 252. Jamie Gibson (4-24) was the pick of the visitors' attack, while there were also wickets for Ross Allen (3-38) and Kyle McCallan (2-52). Waringstown captain Lee Nelson was scathing of Cricket Ireland's decision to arrange a Development XI friendly which robbed them of three high profile players for the game, and his mood wouldn't have improved when he fell to the first ball of the chase - one of five wickets for Ben Mitchell (5-15). Gibson hit a defiant half century, while James Mitchell hit few late blows in his unbeaten 38, but the result was a foregone conclusion - Waringstown losing by 88 runs.

It looked as if it would be a one-sided contest at Anglesea Road after Clontarf slipped to 8 for 3 batting first against Merrion. However they rallied to make 226 thanks primarily to skipper Eoghan Delany who hit 11 boundaries in his unbeaten 109. He shared vital partnerships with John McNally (36), David Vincent (20) and Paul Ryan (31). Mick Granger (3-18) had the Merrion reply in trouble at 50 for 5, but they were given hope by a century stand between Franco Marais (48) and Sean Stanton (46). However once the partnership was broken by Ruan Cronje (3-32), Merrion were bowled out for 180.

CIYMS are searching for their first win in the competition and were ruthlessly efficient in their 140-run demolition of Newbuildings. A solid batting effort saw double figures contributions from all ten batsmen, with Ross Adair and Jacob Mulder both making 41 in their total of 326 for 8. Newbuildings were without their talisman JT, and were soon in trouble as Keith Dudgeon took 4 for 32 including Ryan Hunter first ball. Skipper Jared Wilson added respectability with a brilliant 124 that included 12 sixes and 9 fours, but that and Gareth McKeegan (36) were all of note as they were bowled out for 186.

The Hills' quest for a third title is very much alive after a comprehensive 205-run win at home to Cork County. Mark Donegan hit 12 fours and 4 sixes in a hard hit 127 not out from just 91 balls as the Milverton side scored 293 for 6 - Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin also getting 68. Cork could only manage 88 in the chase, with five wickets for Athar Farooqi, and a first senior scalp for his younger brother Ashad, on a day when everything went right for The Hills.

Balbriggan showed their battling qualities as they fought back twice to oust 2011 finalists Instonians at Jack Harper Park. Chris De Freitas hit 11 fours in his 74 as they recovered from 75 for 6 to make 157. Overseas professional Daniel Rose took four wickets, while there were two apiece for Andrew White, James Magee, and Shane Getkate. The Shaws Bridge side looked well set at 95 for 3 in the chase, with Getkate scoring a powerful 57. However, they collapsed under the pressure, with Ryan Hadley taking three wickets, and Farooq Nasr and Lewis two apiece in a famous win which was well received by the sizeable home support.

Phoenix accounted for North Down in brutal fashion as they thumped the Comber side by 202 runs in another one-sided game. Their total of 355 for 6 was led by George Dockrell's 91 (6 fours, 4 sixes), with further half centuries from Theo Dempsey (9 fours, 4 sixes), Nic Pretorius and Adam Chester. North Down in reply could only manage 153, with Tom Mayes top-scoring with 60. Theo Dempsey took three wickets, while there were two apiece for Oliver Hald, Ben White and Tyrone Kane.

Lisburn produced a solid performance to oust Malahide by four wickets at Wallace Park. Former Irish international Fintan McAllister top scored with 46 as the village side posted 180 for 8, with contributions too from Mike Frost (33) and Callum Riches (32). Lisburn's attack stuck to their guns well, with two wickets apiece for Neil Whitworth, skipper Callum Atkinson and overseas professional Faiz Fazal. Fazal top scored with 48, as he and Jonathan Waite (24) broke the back of the chase with an opening stand of 75. Malahide battled gamely with two wickets apiece for Ravi Kumar and Cameron Shoebridge, but with the top six all reaching double figures, Lisburn clinched the win in the 48th over.

Brigade's poor form continued as they were on the end of a ten-wicket mauling by North Down at Comber. Batting first the Beechgrove side scored 174 all out with home skipper Ally Shields having a five wicket haul as he ripped out the middle order, and was well supported by Tom Mayes who took 3 for 41. Kyle Magee hit five fours and a six in a top score of 55, adding 67 for the third wicket with David Barr, who made 49. From 107 for 2, the innings petered out and a final total of 174 always looked woefully inadequate. Shields and Ani Chore ensured a nerveless chase as they shared an opening stand of 175 to ease to a ten wickets win in the 29th over. Both made 77 not out, with Shields hitting 9 fours and a six, while the ever consistent Chore struck six boundaries and cleared the ropes once in a very one-sided contest.

Ryan struck his second century in a week for Newbuildings to end Carrickfergus's hopes of reaching the second round of the Irish Cup at the Foyleview Arena. Hunter made a classy 115 from 148 balls, including three sixes and 12 fours, and with Johnny Thompson weighing in with 66 not out from 38 balls at the death the home side posted a mighty 312-5 from their 50 overs. Jacques Snyman proved the most economical of the Carrick bowlers, taking 1-38 from 10 overs while Ashwin Shetty and Craig Averill shared the other four wickets. The visitors reply got off to a rapid start despite grim conditions and the loss of Jeremy Lawlor for a duck but the end of Snyman for superb 90 saw the chase stall. The South African had stroked 14 fours and two maximums and taken the visitors to 133-2 before he was removed by Ross Hunter at the end of the 24th over. CJ van der Walt offered some hope in the gloom with 42 but Hunter took 3-55 and there were two wickets each for Jared Wilson, Jason Dunn and Gary Mitchell as Carrick were bowled out for 201 in the 40th over.

Andrew White sent Instonians into the second round of the Irish Cup with a canny spell of 3-26 from eight overs that helped his side to a 22-run DLS victory over Ardmore in a rain-affected match at the Bleachgreen. Cade Carmichael top scored with 45 and Shane Getkate, returning from injury, made 33 as Instonians battled their way to 197-8 in 42.5 overs before a weather break ended the innings. Ardmore were initially set 202 to win from 42 overs when play resumed but another stoppage after seven overs of the reply saw the target revised to 186 off 36 overs. Harry Zimmermann built a platform for the home side with 38 from 66 balls but the 100 did not come up until the 29th over and Ardmore had left themselves too much to do despite the best efforts of all-rounder Ciaran Curley. The hard-hitting No 7 cleared the boundary four times and hit three fours as he raced to 54 not out from 38 balls. Curley shared an eighth-wicket partnership of 58 with Mark Chambers (10) but the 42 needed from the final two overs proved beyond Ardmore.

Balbriggan are safely through after winning a hard-fought encounter at Ballygomartin Road against Woodvale in tough conditions, The hosts 172 for 9 was built around 30s from Michael Warke, Ronan Restieaux (32) and Carl Robinson (30). The North Dublin side's attack was well led by Chris De Freitas (3-14) and Dylan Lues (3-29), with two wickets for Farooq Nasr taking a brace. Ghanim Dara (48), Conor Fletcher (41) and Chris De Freitas (28) were all in the runs as they reached 138 for 2 in the chase, but fibut four wickets for leg-spinner Robinson (4-31) saw a late wobble before they clinched the win with four overs to spare.

John Anderson scored his seventh Irish Cup century to set Merrion on course for a convincing 212-run victory over Coleraine at Anglesey Road. The former Ireland international struck 10 fours and two sixes in his 101 from 77 balls, adding momentum to the home side's innings after openers Jack Carty (47) and Stephen Doheny (86) had added 105 in 22.4 overs. Anderson shared a third wicket stand worth 114 with Swapnil Modgill (69) before falling to Rory Knox in the final over as Merrion piled on 341-5. Knox was the most successful of the visitors' bowlers with 4-77 from 10 overs. Coleraine were unable to mount a challenge to the mammoth total and were dismissed for 129 in 30.3 overs, with left-arm spinner Anish Sidhu taking an impressive 5-12 from only 5.3 overs. Only Ravindra Karunaratne (28), Varun Chopra (30) and Ben Johnston (30) reached double figures for the north-west side who were well beaten long before their final wicket fell.

David Delany took four wickets and followed up with a top score of 70 as Clontarf saw off the challenge of Civil Service North by six wickets at Castle Avenue to reach the second round of the Irish Senior Cup. Paceman Delany bowled Paddy Beverland during his opening spell and after Troy Johnson had made 58 for the visitors he ripped through the lower middle order to finish with 4-33 from 10 overs. CSNI slipped from 143-3 immediately before New Zealand professional Johnson was caught and bowled by Paul Ryan to 196 all out in the 49th over. PJ Moor got the home side's chase off to a rapid start with 29 from 26 balls before a fourth-wicket partnership of 124 between Delany and his brother Eoghan put the win beyond doubt. Delany's 70 came from 68 balls, with three sixes and eight fours, while skipper Eoghan was unbeaten on 67 from 101 balls when Clontarf won with a full 12 overs to spare.

Gary McClintock set the Holm side on their way with a typically belligerent 61 (5 fours, 5 sixes) but it was far from plain sailing here either. It needed a lower order cameo from Billy Dougherty, who hit 5 sixes and a four in his 37, as the last two wickets added a very valuable 47 runs that allowed Donemana to set a target of 174. Brandon Kruger bowled well for the Munster side to claim 4-18 with skipper O'Reilly chipping in with 3-76. 'Quins never really threatened in reply; O'Reilly with an unbeaten 16 and Barend Vosloo (15) the best of their 76 all out. Dean Mehaffey (4-36) and a super 8-over spell from Jordan McGonigle (3-5 from 8 overs) kept the visitors at arm's length.

The Magheramason side posted 136 as they batted first at Claremont Road with Irosh Samarasooriya top scoring on 37. Ian Young (20) and Davy Scanlon (15) chipped in with cameos while Curtis Campher (5-27) dominated with the ball for YMCA. The hosts wobbled a bit in their reply despite Jack and Tim Tector getting them on their way with 38 and 35 respectively. It took an unbeaten 7th wicket partnership between Tom (22*) and Rory Anders (16*) to finish the job and send their side into Round 2. Gregory McFaul (2-20) and skipper Scanlon (2-26) did their best to keep the North West side in the hunt.

Fox Lodge had a very chastening experience at home to The Hills as they lost by 9 wickets. No-one in the home ranks managed to get to double figures as Dylan Blignaut tore through the Foxies' order to finish with figures of 7-12. Tomas Rooney-Murphy added 2-12 as the Ballymagorry side were bowled out for just 29. Levon Shields made a quick 23 before he was dismissed by Adam Walker as Jeremy Bray's charges sailed into the next round.

Eglinton travelled a bit light and found things no easier at Rathmines as they lost to Leinster by 7 wickets. Tommy Orr's 36 was much the best of the villagers' 89 all out- only Mattie Mills (14) contributing anything of note elsewhere in the order. Saquib Bahadur (4-12) and Gareth Delany (3-26) did the bulk of the damage for the hosts and the same two players topped the batting returns as well. Delany made 19* and Bahadur 18* with Ben Mitchell chipping in with 17 in a cosy success.

Skipper Eddie Richardson's brilliant all-round effort helped North County to their first senior trophy since 2010 as they beat Terenure by 12 runs in a low scoring match at Rathmines. County had been dealt a severe blow in the run-up to the final with the suspension of overseas professional Malcolm Nofal. They lost early wickets and were indebted to Richardson's 64 and 34 from Andrew Sherodan in their 147 - three wickets each for Liam Harris and Zubair Khan. Richardson (4-13) struck early blows but Raghav Grover (49) looked to steering Terenure to victory, before a late fightback saw wickets tumble, leaving the Fingal side victors.

Three-times National Cup winners Rush bowed out as five-times Irish Cup victors North County won the Final derby to reach the decider at Bangor on August 28th. Rush lost early wickets to slide to 25 for 3, but rallied with skipper Neil Rock leading the way with 73 from 76 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes). Aaron McGuire hit 3 sixes and 3 fours in a rapid 48, while there were runs too for Jared Barnes (30), and Alex Neary (26) in their 229 for 9. For County, there were three wickets for Sean Sludds, and two apiece for Abdul Ghaffar, Malcolm Nofal and Eddie Richardson. Despite the early loss of Niall McGovern, the visitors looked in complete control as Macolm Nofal, Jamie Grassi, and Eddie Richardson all hit half centuries to lead them to 202 for 2 in the 33rd over. However, as the winning post loomed, there was a late wobble with four wickets for Allan Eastwood and three for Jared Barnes before victory was achieved in the 39th over.

Terenure knocked holders Railway Union out of the National Cup with a tense three-wicket win in a low-scoring encounter at Terenure Sports Club. Batting first the visitors struggled on the mat to 98 all out, with their main contributions coming from 2007 World Cup players Kevin O’Brien (23) and Kenny Carroll (20). The damage was done primarily by Bhavic Tukrel and Raghav Grover, who each claimed four wickets apiece. The chase was far from straightforward though as O’Brien picked up three wickets and at 23 for 4 the game was very much in the balance. However a fifth wicket stand of 56 between Mick Cotter (16) and Raghav Grover put Terenure well on top. Grover eventually got his side over the line with an unbeaten 43 (5 fours, 1 six) as the win was achieved in the 30th over.

North County wasted little time in dispensing with the challenge of Derriaghy as the five-time Irish Senior Cup champions won by eight wickets at a canter. They dismissed the Queensway side for just 81, with Ryan Beckett’s 23 the best of a disappointing batting effort. Usman Azhar took four wickets, while there were two apiece for Malcolm Nofal, Eddie Richardson, and Abdul Ghaffar. County knocked off the runs with little trouble, with Jamie Grassi hitting 8 fours in his 42.

Three times National Cup winners Rush beat Cregagh in a fine match, which saw experienced all-rounder Sadat Gull score a century. Batting first, Rush made 239 for 3, thanks primarily to Gull, who hit 15 fours and 3 sixes in an unbeaten 115 from 120 balls. There were runs too for Llew Johnson (44) and Neil Rock (28) while Andrew Doheny (26*) added an unbroken 114 for the 4th wicket with Gull. Alex Neary (4-37) made early inroads, but Cregagh were still in with a shout as long as Jay Hunter was there. He hit 11 fours in a brilliant 97, before being run out, and with that the Belfast side’s chances ended, losing by 67 runs.

Holders Railway Union are safely through after a solid chase saw them beat Ballyspallen by seven wickets at Bridge Park. The home side adopted a cautious approach batting first, and althought the top six reached double figures, a total of 158 was never enough. Stuart Kennedy (36), Demith Perera (30) and stand-in captain James Thompson (26) their main contributors. Fakhar Zaman took four wickets and top scored with 49 in the chase (4 fours, 3 sixes). Hashir Sultan (43*) and former Irish international Kenny Carroll (41) were also in the runs in a straightforward win.

Terenure safely progressed to the last four as they had little trouble in accounting for County Galway at the Lydican. Chasing 149, the Dubliners lost Seamus Lynch early, but an unbroken second wicket stand of 150 ensured the nine-wicket win. Henry Dall top-scored with 85 from 81 balls (7 fours, 1 six), while Donal Vaughan made a more sedate 47 not out. Galway’s 148 for 9 was built around Conor Mullen’s 47 and 43 from Shariq Nasim, while Mark Thomas (3-24) was best with the ball.

Conor Mullen guided County Galway over the line with an unbeaten 59 as they chased UCC's 183 to win by three wickets. Mullen received vital support from Swaroop (31) and Kumal (26) in a tight encounter that could have gone either way.

Craig Lewis thumped 14 fours and 12 sixes in a brilliant 154 from just 95 deliveries as Derriaghy amassed 329 for 9 at home to Glendermott at Queensway. Morne Venter and Curtis Moorhead each made 36, while Curtis Ross and Adam Boyd each claimed three wickets. Skipepr Ben Mills and Pakistan professional Jamal Anwar both scored half centuries in the chase but Venter took six wickets as 2013 finalists Derriaghy won by 110 runs.

Holders Railway Union are safely through after a 95-run win at Strabane. Hashir Sultan top-scored with 69, sharing a fourth wicket stand of 81 with Liam McCarthy (40). Ernest Musuku's four wickets saw the Dubliners stutter from 140 for 3 to 183 all out, but it still proved more than enough as the home side's batting failed. The Red Caps were bundled out for just 78.

Three-times champions Rush look once again the team to beat after an 82-run win against Midleton. Jared Barnes was the Kenure side hero as he hit 11 fours and 5 sixes in his 103 from 84 balls, sharing a fifth wicket stand of 152 with Andrew Doheny (53*). LLew Johnson also made 41 in their total of 260 for 6. In reply Midleton made 178, with Majid Khan top scoring with 60, while Asher Abbasi took 3 for 25.

Five-times Irish Cup winners North County survived a St Johnston fightback to clinch a two-wickets win in Donegal. When the Saints slumped to 25 for 6, it seemed as if the Fingal side's trip would be a short one, but the Saints rallied strongly. Skipper David Lapsley (75) and Nathan Cole (48*) added 117 for the 7th wicket and a total of 142 gave their attack a sniff. Three wickets for Cole, plus to apiece for Jacob Maroske and David Anthony had County worried, but John Mooney's hard-hit 41 from just 23 balls (5 sixes) got them back on track and Andrew Sheridan's 33 ensured the narrow win.

2017 finalists Terenure made short work of Bonds Glen, as Seamus Lynch's brutal assault made short work of their modest 126 target. Lynch hit 10 sixes and 8 fours in an unbeaten 98 from just 49 balls, dominating an unbroken second wicket stand of 80 in six overs with Donal Vaughn (4*). Vaughn and Sadiq Safi each took three wickets in the Bee Gees 125, in which former Irish international David Cooke top-scored with an unbeaten 27.

Ballyspallen made the long trek to the Oyster Oval and emerged victorious in another tense encounter, chasing 201 to win by two wickets. Their successful pursuit was down to Sri Lankan professional Demith Perera who hit 7 sixes and 7 fours in his 96 from juts 59 balls, with runs too from skipper Andy Christie (32) and all-rounder Stuart Kennedy (38*), who had also taken three wickets in the Kerry innings, which was dominated by Saghir's 64.

Cregagh travelled to Limerick and won an entertaining game, their total of 249 proving 36 too many for the hosts. An opening stand of 71 between Dan Cooper (39) and Jonny Moore (37) set the perfect platform, for Matthew Simpson to make 52. Australian Tim Smithies hit 17 fours and 2 sixes in a brilliant century, but Cregagh chipped away and managed to defend it, bowling out 2018 finalists Limerick for 213.

At Queensway there was a barrage of boundaries for Derriaghy as they hit 32 fours and 22 sixes in their huge total of 383 for 4. An opening stand of 137 in 18 overs between Matthew Halliday (63) and Ross Bailey (56) set the perfect platform and what followed was sheer carnage. Morne Venter cleared the ropes 12 times, and also hit 8 fours in a savage 132 from just 55 balls, sharing a fourth wicket stand of 212 in just 16 overs with Craig Lewis. Lewis clubbed 6 sixes and 6 fours in his unbeaten 74 from 51 deliveries, as the beleaguered Ballyhaunis attack wilted. The visitors could only manage 135 in the chase, with runs for Arshad (36), Iqbal (23) and Akbar (23). Wayne Hughes took 4 for 16, while there were also wickets for Curtis Moorehead (3-36) and Ross Bailey (2-36). Derriaghy are home again in the second round as they entertain North West side Glendermott.

County Galway are also safely through after a 9-wickets win over Ballaghedreen at The Lydican. Jayesh Juneja (2-9), Ramgokul Srinivasanni (2-6), and Prashanth Viswanath (2-28) all took two wickets as Ballaghedreen were dismissed for 94 - only Afzal (27) offering resistance. The modest target proved no challenge as an unbeaten 48 from Sai Swaroop Burra sealed the comprehensive win in just the 15th over. They now face UCC away in the second round on Sunday June 19th.

A professional job done by CIYMS to secure the win. Early wickets setting Harlequins back and no let up from the spinners later on. Ross Adair knocked a hole in the target and despite losing Mark Adair first ball the win was achieved in double quick time.

2019 winners CIYMS are into the final of the All-Ireland T20 Cup after an 111-run demolition of Newbuildings. The Belmont side were given a flying start by Ross Adair, who hit seven boundaries in a 16-ball 32 sharing a 51-run stand with Chris Dougherty. Johnny Thompson accounted for Adair, but Dougherty and John Matchett then added 108 in just over ten overs to take the match away from the NW side. ‘Doc’ hit 8 fours in a top-score of 66 from 48 balls, while Matchett smashed 5 fours and 2 sixes in his 61 from 38 deliveries. Jason van der Merwe hit 3 sixes in his 26 from 7 balls as the home side finished on 213 for 4. The chase never got going as they limped to 102 for 8 – Matchett completing a fine all-round day with 3 for 8. Carson McCullough also took two wickets in a bloodless victory - the North West sides have endured a truly miserable time in Irish competitions this year.

It was a case of lightning striking twice as 2021 beaten finalists Cork Harlequins once again reached the decider after stunning favourites The Hills at Milverton. Chasing a tough 175, it came down to the final over, and with six needed from three balls, Shivam Kislay (39*) was the hero for the Munster men as he struck consecutive boundaries to clinch the four-wicket win. Brandon Kruger’s wonder season continued as he hit 10 fours and 2 sixes in a top-score of 68 from 43 balls, while Sean Jones made a vital 23 (3 fours, 1 six) at a crucial stage of the chase. The Hills’ 175 for 6 was dominated by Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin’s 82 from 49 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes), with support from Levon Shields (39) and Murray Commins (25). Ryan Joyce (3-22), Matthew Brewster (2-39) and Adam Hickey (1-17) were the wicket takers for Quins, who now face CIYMS in the decider in Cork this Sunday.

A comprehensive victory for Merrion who dominated their opponents with both bat and the ball. CSNI could find nothing to match the power of Rebecca Stokell whose century came off 63 deliveries and contained 13x4s and they couldn't break the stranglehold that the Dubliners exerted in the field.

CSNI will meet Merrion in the final of the All-Ireland T20 Women’s competition after the Stormont side ran out eight wicket winners against Fox Lodge at Ballymagorry. Batting first the Foxies were indebted to Sarah Black’s hard-hit 45 from only 33 balls, which included five of the seven boundaries they hit against a well drilled CSNI bowling unit. Jenny Dallas (10) was the only other play to reach double figures in their total of 96 for 7. Lucie McNaught (2-17) and Jemma Gillan (2-26) each took two wickets, while Jess Mayes (1-10) and Leah Beattie (1-12) bowled frugally. The home side were given a real boost with the run out of Aoife Fisher by Sarah Black for 6, but thereafter it was the story of missed chances – four catches being dropped off the bowling of skipper Mollie Devine (1-9). Rachael Thomas was eventually dismissed for 25 (4 fours), but Alison Cowan (30*) and McNaught (22*) got CSNI home in quick time with an unbroken third wicket stand of 47 in just 32 balls to seal the victory in the 13th over.

Phoenix beat CSNI to make it a clean sweep of the All-Ireland youth finals for Leinster sides in the U15 decider in the Park. The win was set up by their skipper Sam Morris who smashed 5 sixes and 4 fours in his brilliant 74 from only 49 balls, as they posted 170 for 8 in their 20 overs. He shared an opening stand of 62 with Ben Thomson (34) which laid the perfect platform for the hosts. CSNI battled bravely against the tough target, with Charlie Kirk (38) and opener James West (32) both in the runs. A valiant effort though saw them dismissed 24 runs adrift on 146, with three wickets apiece for Krish Kingkumar (3-29) and Daniel Sugrue (3-21).

CSNI will play Phoenix in the U15 Boys All-Ireland final after the Stormont side beat North West side Newbuildings by 28 runs in a high-scoring semi-final in the Park. CSNI openers Seb Yeates (64*) and James West (46) were the main run getters in their total of 170 for 2, with contributions too from Adam leckey (26) and Luka Bates (16*). The successful bowlers were Charlie Simpson and Sam McClintock. To be fair to Newbuildings, they gave the chase a real go, especially in the early stages as they reached 70 for 2 after seven overs. However, two wickets apiece for Luka Bates and Seb Yeates stalled the pursuit. Despite the best efforts of Charlie Downey (45*) and Charlie Simpson (34), Newbuildings ended on 141 for 8.

Phoenix are through to the final of the All-Ireland U15 boys cup after a convincing six-wicket win against a spirited Cork County side at Phoenix Park. The home side's bowling unit all did well to restrict the Munster side to 81 all out with Abas Faizi top-scoring with 20 (3 fours). The bowling honours went to Karl Tully (3-4) and Daniel Sugrue (3-14) both claiming three scalps. The Phoenix chase faltered slightly at the start as they lost three wickets - two of them to Sahil Momand (2-23). However a powerful unbeaten 36 from just 19 balls, which included 6 fours from Chris Scully sealed the win just before the halfway point. Phoenix will now face the winners of the CSNI versus Newbuildings semi-final.

Pembroke ran out convincing 110-run winners over competition debutants Cork County in the morning semi-final at Sydney Parade. Dan Murray hit an incredible 32-ball century which included 10 sixes and 8 fours as he and Ethan Clarke (39) shared an opening stand of 152 in 11.2 overs, before Murray retired. Rian O'Neill also chipped in with 27 not out as the home side made a daunting 224 for 3 in their 20 overs. Cork were never in contention of such an imposing total, but did well to make 114 for 8, with Cillian Ross top-scoring with 24, and Jose De Freitas 19 not out in their 114 for 8 - two wickets for Clark and Gareth O'Neill.

Instonians will play Pembroke in the final of the All-Ireland U13 competition after beating Bready by 22 runs in an entertaining semi-final at Magheramason. The Shaw's Bridge side overcame the loss of two early wickets to post 111 for 3, with Hugo Robinson making an unbeaten 51, and David Agnew hitting 28. Bready's reply began steadily with Ben Campbell and Suyash putting on an opening stand of 44 before the latter was bowled by Ben Walsh (2-11). As the required rate increased, scoreboard pressure told with no fewer than five run outs in their final total of 89 for 8 - Campbell finishing unbeaten on 38.

Clontarf made it an All-Ireland double as they clinched the U15 girls cup final with an emphatic nine-wicket win over NCU champions Holywood at Seapark. The hosts were restricted to 62 for 8 in their 20 overs, with two wickets for Gemma Sargent, and one apiece for Lucy Barry, Aoibheann Synnott, Alice Walsh and Aylssa Pasley. Lucy Barry (7) was bowled by Calvert, but that was to be the end of the success for the hosts as a half-century partnership between Genevieve Morrissey - who hit six boundaries in her unbeaten 32 - and Alice Walsh (19*) sealed the win in just nine overs.

Clontarf showed their class as they overpowered Bonds Glen in the U15 Girls semi-final at Bready. The Bee Gees did well as they battled to 94 for 4 courtesy of a second wicket partnership of 70 between Hannah Skinner (27) and Jessica Cooke (20). Alyssa Pasley and Gemma Sargent both claimed 2 for 14 for the Castle Avenue side. There were no nerves in the chase as the young Dublin openers Alice Walsh and Lucy Barry raced to the target in just 9.2 overs. Walsh top-scored with an unbeaten 48 from just 31 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Barry's 34 not out took 26 balls, and included six fours. Clontarf will now take on Holywood in the final at Seapark on Sunday (12pm).

A century from Clontarf captain Julie McNally led her side to a 91-run win over Bready to capture the inaugural Under 13 All-Ireland girls crown at Magheramason. McNally hit 14 fours in her 65-ball innings before retiring, She shared an opening stand of 57 with Thomson (18), before adding a further 111 for the second wicket with Genevieve Morrissey (26) as the visitors posted an imposing 196 for 3 in their 20 overs. Millie Spence (35) and Sophie Hamilton (15) shared an opening stand of 74, but the target was never threatened as Bready finished on 105 for 5. Clontarf took the opportunity to use no fewer than 10 bowlers in a thoroughly deserved win for Emma Butler's side.

Abigail Phelan was the Clontarf heroine as she was the only successful bowler in the dreaded bowl-out to determine the winner of the All-Ireland Under 13 girls semi-final after no play was possible on Saturday in their tie with Lisburn. Clontarf were due to play the final against Bready on Sunday morning, but heavy rain saw that match postponed. It will now take place at Magheramason next Saturday, September 10th at 3.30pm..