Ardmore edged one of the closest contests of the National Cup second round with a thrilling 14-run victory over fellow former finalists Limerick at The Bleachgreen. Batting first, Ardmore were bowled out for 154 in 38.1 overs with Kasun Aberaytne and Vimal Dwivedi both making 29. Limerick’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Anvesh Bogavelly taking 3 for 15 and A Hari claiming 2 for 21. The chase went right down to the wire. Limerick skipper Bogavelly looked capable of steering his side home before the turning point arrived as Aberaytne produced a stunning diving catch at cover to remove him. Prasad Hegde top-scored with 29 after being dropped three times, while Bogavelly contributed 28 in a tense pursuit. Ardmore held their nerve brilliantly at the death as their spinners took control. Sadiq Safi claimed 2 for 16 and left-arm spinner Conor King applied relentless pressure to spark wild celebrations as Limerick were dismissed for 140.

There was drama at Middle Road in the tightest contest of the round, where Limerick held off 2014 winners Carrickfergus by just five runs. Prasad Hegde top-scored with 47 from just 31 balls, a knock that included four sixes. A fine batting effort saw five of the top six for the visitors making runs. Ryan Eagleson (3-30) the most successful of the home attack. The veteran former Irish international then made an unbeaten 49, but Ramoji Alla’s superb 5-32 proved decisive as Carrickfergus finished agonisingly short on 198-9.