Waringstown began their defence of the Mercury NCU Women’s Premiership with an emphatic ten-wicket win over Lisburn at The Lawn.

Batting first, Lisburn were steady if not spectacular thanks to runs from the top order, with Grace Wilson top-scoring with 35 in their total of 120 for four.

She was well supported by Amelia Hughes who made an unbeaten 29, Rebecca Lowe, who hit four boundaries in a rapid 23, and Taila Hurley (17).

Waringstown’s attack never took the pressure off with wickets for Penny Speer and Lucia Derby, backed up by an athletic fielding effort that effected two run-outs.

A heavy shower two overs into the chase saw a 50-minute hiatus, leading to a revised target of 55 inside eight overs.

That proved no trouble at all to the home side openers, with Sophie Hinds making an undefeated 25 and Irish hopeful Abbi Harrison 24 not out as they knocked off the required runs with an over to spare to claim a maximum points victory.

Last season’s runners-up Holywood are expected to be one of Waringstown’s main rivals this campaign and the Seapark side flexed their muscles with a comprehensive 106-run victory against North Down.

Holywood never looked back after a quickfire opening stand of 109 in just 76 balls between Madison Landsman and Christina Soulsby.

South African all-rounder Landsman – who has represented the Netherlands internationally – top-scored with 63 from only 36 balls (nine fours, two sixes), while English-born Soulsby offered excellent support with a well made 32 that included four boundaries.

There were runs too for Erin Bond (25), and Lily Andrews (15) in their total of 165 for four. Kathryn Rogers was the stand-out performer with the ball taking three wickets which included the first ball dismissal of Lara Maritz.

Maritz though bounced back with the ball to claim two early scalps, and with Nina Kerr picking up four wickets for just three runs, North Down were bundled out for just 59.

CSNI also made a winning start with a 55-run win over Instonians. Captain Jemma Gillan (37) and Emily Carville (26) were the main scorers in their total of 162 for seven – boosted by no fewer than 66 extras!

Katie West then captured four wickets as Inst’ were bowled out for 109 – Erin Mitchell making 21.

Meanwhile in the North-West, the torrential downpours that wiped out Saturday’s senior programme led to the cancellation of the T20 Charity Finals which will now be played later in the season.