Cliftonville Academy pulled off the shock of the night as they beat holders Instonians by 14 runs in the Lagan Valley Steels T20 Cup.

South African professional CP Klijnhans set up the win with a stunning barrage of boundaries, clearing the ropes nine times as well as hitting six fours in his 30-ball 86.

He received excellent support from Dave O’Sullivan – recovered from injury – who thumped four maximums and three fours in a whirlwind 45 from 24 deliveries.

That took CA to an imposing 186 for eight in a game reduced to 15 overs.

It didn’t look as if it was going to be enough as Neil Rock and Jack Dickson (37) shared a second wicket stand of 70 to lay a perfect platform for Shane Dadswell. The player of the month so far clubbed four sixes and three fours in an 11-ball 40 to reduce the target to 38 off four overs.

His dismissal though proved the turning point as Rock perished two balls later – both to visiting skipper Matthew McCord – who finished with three wickets to clinch a welcome win for his beleaguered side.

Lisburn had an excellent win at home to in-form Muckamore for whom Neil Brand was once again in the runs in another abbreviated contest.

Brand hit a 19-ball 40 (three fours, four sixes) as the Moylena side racked up 125 for nine in 12 overs. Skipper Neil Whitworth claimed three wickets and Ross Adair two.

The same duo were then instrumental in the chase after David Miller went for 13, putting on 52 with Adair.

Irish T20 specialist Adair was at his belligerent best, smashing five huge sixes and fours in an unbeaten 78 from just 38 balls, adding an unbroken 77 with Whitworth (38 not out) to clinch the nine-wicket win with three balls to spare.

Paddy Beverland’s 43-ball 62 helped CI to an emphatic 75-run win over Laurelvale, as he and Charlie Swart (37) shared a second wicket partnership of 93 in ten overs to take the Belmont side to 188 for seven – Laurelvale finished on 113 in reply.

No play was possible in the North Down versus Waringstown clash, while the entire seven matches in the North West were abandoned without a ball bowled.

In the T20 Trophy, Templepatrick edged out Bangor, Saintfield eased to victory over Derriaghy, while Carrickfergus were too strong for Cooke Collegians.