CSNI collect first Challenge Cup crown in a decade following Instonians triumph
CSNI celebrated winning their first Gallagher Challenge Cup crown since 2016 on Friday with a 108-run triumph over Instonians.
The Stormont club were beaten finalists in both 2018 and 2022 in the Northern Cricket Union’s most prestigious cup competition, but ended their decade-long wait to lift the famous trophy with a dominant display on home turf.
It marks the first major trophy for an exciting crop of youngsters coming through the ranks at CSNI – 18-year-old James West (70) top-scored for Stuart Thompson’s side, sharing an opening partnership of 91 with Marc Ellison (39).
The triumph also marks a maiden Challenge Cup crown for 39-year-old Ellison – his first of four finals was back in 2011 and he played one of the competition’s most memorable knocks in 2018, scoring 139* in a losing effort against Waringstown at The Green.
Ashwin Hebbar (46) ensured no momentum was lost when Ellison was caught off his own bowling by Cian Robertson (3/43) while 19-year-old Adam Leckey (30) also chipped in with an important contribution.
An Instonians line-up lacking Cade Carmichael, who was on Ireland duty for their ODI clash against Afghanistan in Bready, and Andrew White ultimately fell well short of the winning target.
Sully Gould (34) showed great intent, scoring his runs from just 17 balls, and temporarily threatened to cause CSNI problems before he was dismissed by Finn Lutton.
Leckey (4/33) has enjoyed a tremendous season with the ball and the Northern Knights bowler carried his impressive form into the decider while Ireland international Jordan Neill (3/25) collected the key wicket of Shane Dadswell.
Instonians were reduced from 93/1 to 150 all out inside 28.2 overs following Gould’s departure – David Agnew (35) was the only other player to score more than 17.
CSNI will hope Friday’s Challenge Cup triumph is only the sign of things to come with Thompson’s men set to face a star-studded Pembroke side in next weekend’s Irish Senior Cup decider.
There will only be two matches played in the Premier League on Saturday with Laurelvale hosting Cliftonville Academy and CI making the trip to Woodvale.
In Section One, Bangor will be looking to take another step towards title glory when they face Templepatrick, while Armagh host Carrickfergus in a clash which could go some way towards determining potential Premier League promotion.
Second-placed Lurgan welcome Cregagh to Pollock Park, Donacloney Mill face Derriaghy and Saintfield host Cooke Collegians.