Carrickfergus turned on the power at Middle Road to make a winning start in the NCU T20 Trophy with a commanding 34-run victory over Cregagh in Group A.

The hosts piled up an imposing 181 for 4, thanks largely to an outstanding all-round contribution from overseas professional Atish Varape, whose explosive 60 from just 34 balls set the tone for the evening. Varape peppered the boundary with four fours and three sixes, taking the attack to Cregagh from the outset.

After an early breakthrough, Varape and skipper CJ van der Walt rebuilt superbly with a polished second-wicket partnership of 51. Van der Walt was typically aggressive, striking 46 from 33 deliveries with seven fours and a six as Carrick kept the scoreboard racing along.

Just when Cregagh thought they had dragged things back, Alex Haggan produced a blistering late assault. Haggan smashed an unbeaten 40 from only 19 balls, launching three towering sixes and crashing boundaries to propel Carrick towards a daunting total. Daniel Henry was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors with 2 for 37, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain the relentless hitting.

Cregagh’s reply never fully ignited despite all six batters reaching double figures. Aaron Johnston battled hard for an unbeaten 49 from 36 balls, striking six fours and a six, while Max Shannon and Stuart Nelson chipped in with useful contributions in the twenties.

However, the required rate continually crept beyond reach as Carrick’s bowlers kept things tight at crucial moments. Varape capped a superb personal display by taking 2 for 24, ensuring there would be no late scare as Carrick closed out a relatively comfortable win.