Paul Stirling's second half century in two days ensured defending champions Northern Knights sealed maximum points with a 99-run win over Munster Reds in a very one-sided contest.

The Belfast international top-scored with 76 from 49 balls (8 fours, 4 sixes), adding 90 in just 10 overs with James McCollum (40) for the second wicket.

When Stirling fell in the 18th over with the total on 166, any sense of relief felt by Munster quicky dissapated as Mark Adair launched a barrage that took their total to 200 and beyond.

His powerful levers saw him hit 44 not out in 11 balls as 58 came from the final 15 balls. He hit 6 sixes, four of which were from the first four balls of the 19th over bowled by Liam McCarthy, who was thankful to not become another footnote in the unwanted 6 sixes conceded in an over annals.

A final total of 224 for 5 was the fifth highest in the competition format, and any slim hopes of a Munster challenge were soon wiped out as wickets for Adair (2-13), Matthew Foster (3-21) and Tom Mayes (3-34) saw them slump to 53 for 7.

They did salvage a little bit of pride as Clontarf teenager John McNally (48) and Josh Manley (24) both hit two sixes in an 8th wicket stand of 67 which helped reduced the margin of defeat to 99 runs.

The scene is set on Friday afternoon for a clash between the Knights and Lightning at the top of the table, while Munster and the North West meet in the morning game.