The visitors won the toss and batted first, scoring a respectable 226 for 9 in their 50 overs with the innings built around an impressive 96 from Ireland Under-19 batsman Lee Nelson.

Carrick with two regular bowlers missing did well to restrict them to this with Ryan Eagleson, who took three wickets, Ross Gelderbloem and Gavin Ewing impressing. This was backed up by a good effort in the field, notably three catches by Ally McCalmont.

In reply, the hosts started quietly and struggled to 53 for 3 after 18 overs. Ewing then joined Andrew Cowden at the wicket and this pair shared what was looking like being a match winning partnership for their side. Together they added 130 runs in 24 overs and looked in no trouble when Ewing was run out going for a third run, having scored a fine 71 from only 79 balls with nine fours and a six.

Carrick were still in a great position and Cowden and Richard Stirling saw the 200 up in the 45th over. Irish international skipper Gary Kidd was then re-introduced to the attack and struck with the vital wicket of Cowden, stumped having scored a superb 89 runs from 116 deliveries with nine boundaries. The home team only need 22 runs from 26 balls when he was dismissed but with boundaries now at a premium, still required 8 of Kidd’s final over.

Nothing came off the first ball but a boundary was scored from the second and Stirling took a single off the third to leave Carrick needing three off three balls. Matt Mangan was then caught on the boundary trying to finish it in one blow and Stirling missed the fifth ball to leave him needing three of the final delivery. He advanced down the wicket and again missed to give Waringstown a two run victory in a tense and exciting finish to an excellent match.

Waringstown 226 for 9

Carrickfergus 224 for 8

Carrick Cricket Club crashed out of the TCH Challenge Cup when they suffered a heavy 9 wicket defeat by Instonians at Middle Road in a match kindly sponsored by Alan Clarke Joinery.

Carrick were asked to bat first and their batsmen were unable to deal with the white ball which was moving around in the air and off the seam in the heavy atmosphere.

They slumped to 60 for 7 after 24 overs and it was only a partnership of 74 between Matt Mangan and Michael Turkington that brought some respectability to the proceedings. They added 76 runs with Mangan, who hit a breezy 46 which included eight boundaries, scoring most of the runs.

Carrick were eventually all out for just 144 in 42 overs. With the sun having broken through, Carrick’s bowlers made little impact and Instonians reached their target in just 33.4 overs for the loss of only one wicket.

Carrick 144

Instonians 147 for 1