Bonds Glen moved level on points with leaders Eglinton at the top of the T20 Championship after a convincing six-wicket win over the NW U19s.

The youthful side, coached by former Ireland international Boyd Rankin, struggled to build momentum after being asked to bat first and were dismissed for 109 in 19.4 overs.

Luke Marillier provided the backbone of the innings with 28, while skipper Charlie Downey chipped in with 23, but no other batter was able to make a significant contribution as Bonds Glen’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout.

Heinrich Roberts was the standout performer with the ball, producing an excellent spell of 4-32 to break the heart of the innings. Adam Thompson and Mark Robinson both claimed two wickets apiece, with Thompson particularly economical as he returned figures of 2-9 from his overs.

Chasing a modest target, Bonds Glen wasted little time wrapping up victory in just 10.3 overs. Teenager Adam Thompson then switched his focus to opening the batting as the Bee Gees shuffled their order to provide opportunities further down the line.

The youngster responded in style, hammering four fours and three sixes in a blistering 25-ball 38 that effectively took the game away from the visitors. Although Bonds Glen lost a couple of wickets during the chase, there was never any danger of the result being in doubt.

Stephen McGowan accelerated the finish in emphatic fashion after arriving at number six, smashing four sixes in a whirlwind unbeaten 31 from only 11 deliveries to seal the win in style.

The result keeps Bonds Glen firmly in the title race alongside Eglinton as the new-look T20 Championship approaches the half-way point.