Cricket: Holders CIYMS handed home semi-final draw

Arthur J Gallagher NCU Challenge Cup holders CIYMS have been handed a home draw in the semi-finals.

They will entertain the winners of the outstanding quarter-final tie between Muckamore and Carrickfergus.

placeholder image — CIYMS captain Nigel Jones with Gordon Markey, broking director, Arthur J Gallagher and NCU's Richard Johnson.

In the other tie, Premier League champions Waringstown will entertain Civil Service North in a repeat of the 2014 final won by the Stormont club.

The Muckamore v Carrickfergus tie will continue at Moylena on Friday night after a decision announced by the NCU last night.

Carrick’s wicketkeeper Gordon Browne was taken ill during the game, and taken to hospital, and the tie was eventually halted after talks between the two captains. However, the NCU have decided that rather than abandon the tie altogether, it can be continued to a finish.

The game is delicately poised, with Section One underdogs Muckamore on 17 for one after three overs chasing Carrickfergus’ 159 for eight.

The completion of the tie has been delayed because the Northern Knights are in action over the next three days.

If the tie isn’t finished on the night it will be replayed.