INSTONIANS overpowered Cliftonville Academy to win the Lagan Valley Steels T20 Cup by a convincing 91 runs (DLS) at Waringstown.
The win was set up by a trio of half centuries from the top order that never allowed the CA bowling unit to settle.
Irish internationals Neil Rock and Cade Carmichael (27) set the tone for the game with a 66-run opening stand inside the powerplay, ended only by a stunning catch by Alfie Wylie – a rare highlight in a slipshod display that saw four chances dropped.
South African professional Shane Dadswell announced his arrival at the crease with a six over square leg, and he continued in that vein after Rock fell for an excellent 27-ball 52 (four fours, three sixes).
Dadswell and the evergreen Andrew White scored all around the wicket in a third wicket partnership of 84 in nine overs that all but settled the match.
White unfurled his full repertoire of audacious sweeps and ramps on his way to a top-score of 62 from 38 deliveries, while Dadswell’s 31-ball 58 included six fours and three maximums.
The stand was only ended by a run-out – one of three in the innings – but a total of 219 for six was always going to be a match winning one.
A brief shower meant a revised target of 184 in 16 overs, but Cliftonville Academy’s reply never got going at all as Man-of-the-Match Dadswell got three wickets in his first nine balls including the prize scalp of Abhishek Raut.
Jared Wilson (33) and Andrew Forbes (30 not out) added some respectability to the margin of defeat, but this was the most one-sided of contests.
Cian Robertson picked up three wickets in a fine bowling effort, while there were two wickets apiece also for Andrew White and skipper Ben Rose.
“It was a great team performance all through the game,” said skipper Rose afterwards. “The three guys batted really well and a total of 219 was great.
“Shane taking those three early wickets also gave us some breathing space. ‘Whitey’ was exceptional with both bat and ball and he continues to work hard and gets his rewards.”
It’s a big few weeks ahead for Rose and his team who face Waringstown in a top of the table clash followed by the Challenge Cup final – who would bet against more trophies in the Shaw’s Bridge cabinet.