Instonians begin Premier League title defence on winning note while North Down post huge total

The Shaw’s Bridge outfit finished eight points clear of Waringstown at the summit last season and will once again fancy their chances of making a title run this term.

Gould scored 107 from 71 deliveries to set the platform for his side’s whopping 379/8 – captain Nikolai Smith (81) and Andrew White (67) also made important contributions while Adam Leckey collected five wickets for the hosts.

Jake Collingwood (61) made a solid start to life at CSNI before Harry Dyer blasted 73 from 47 deliveries – his innings included five sixes – but Stuart Thompson’s side ultimately fell short of their target.

Elsewhere, Mohamed Aahil’s 134 helped propel North Down to a massive 383/8 from only 42 overs in their 96-run win over Cliftonville Academy, who were beaten despite an inspired innings from captain Matthew McCord (168).

Aahil shared partnerships worth in excess of 100 with both Kian Hilton (50) and Steven Saul (86) while skipper Tyron Koen (59) also chipped in with quick late runs.

While a winning total was always likely to be beyond Cliftonville Academy, McCord’s stunning stay at the crease included 14 fours and 15 sixes.

Meanwhile, Laurelvale’s Premier League return ended with a heavy 287-run defeat to Muckamore as South Africa international Neil Brand (124) led the way in his side’s total of 344/7.

The Moylena outfit dismissed for Laurelvale for 57 with Brand (4/13) completing a fine all-round performance.

Lisburn also started their campaign with a win as captain Neil Whitworth (109*) played a key role in his side chasing down 230 to beat CI.

Waringstown ran out victors by a margin of 57 runs against Woodvale – Morgan Topping (71*) top scored for the Villagers as they posted 313/5 at The Lawn.

In the Challenge Cup, Bangor, Cregagh, Derriaghy and Lurgan all picked up first round wins.