Instonians completed the Robinson Services Premier League season yesterday with a fourth victory in five unbeaten games, condemning Waringstown to a seventh defeat of the season.

Murray Commins dominated the 20-over match at Shaw’s Bridge with an undefeated 110, from 64 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes, which was 11 runs more than the visitors managed in total.

The margin would have been even wider but for former captain – and current NCU chairman – Alan Waite who, in his first innings in senior cricket for eight years – finished 19 not out.

Instonians had been bottom of the table until the end of August but yesterday’s victory leapfrogged them over Waringstown who finished the season in sixth place, their lowest position since they were relegated – for one season – in 1998.

North Down’s victory on Saturday at The Lawn, when they chased down Warinsgtown’s 115-7 for the loss of only one wicket – Ruhan Pretorius finishing 73 not out – was enough to confirm the Comber side in second place in the final table behind runaway champions CIYMS.

Woodvale return to the Premier League next season as Section One champions and they finished the season 16 points clear of runners-up Templepatrick after beating Cregagh yesterday in a remarkable finale by 8 wickets.
Dario Boyce hurried the game to a conclusion with six sixes in an eight-ball over, with two no balls and the game was won with a wide which hit the fielding helmet for five penalty runs!

Bangor, however, were relegated on Saturday when Downpatrick won their final game, at Donaghcloney Mill, by 44 runs.