Newbuildings safely booked their place in the semi-finals with a convincing eight-wicket win over Strabane at Strabane Park on Thursday evening.

The holders produced a clinical display with both bat and ball to comfortably chase down a modest target of 97.

Strabane struggled to gain momentum throughout their innings and were restricted to 96-6 from their 20 overs. Rhys Logue top-scored with 32, but Newbuildings kept the scoring under control with a disciplined bowling performance. Peat Salmon claimed 2-9 in an excellent spell, while Josh Wilson also impressed with figures of 2-20.

In reply, Newbuildings made light work of the chase, reaching 97-2 in just 11.5 overs. Ross Dougherty led the way with an aggressive 52 from 37 balls, striking six fours and two sixes in a commanding innings.

Dougherty dominated an opening partnership of 74 alongside Mark Hanna, who contributed a steady 20 as the pair effectively put the game beyond Strabane’s reach. The visitors completed the victory with more than eight overs to spare to continue their defence of the trophy in style.

Brigade joined Newbuildings in the semi-finals after a convincing six-wicket victory over St Johnston at The Boathole

St Johnston found runs hard to come by and were restricted to 111-8 from their 20 overs, with Ryan Macbeth making key early breakthroughs against his former club. He finished with impressive figures of 3-13, while Trent McKeegan claimed 2-25.

The Saints looked in real trouble at 47-6 before a recovery led by Ian Macbeth restored some pride. The veteran top-scored with 26, while David Barnard added an unbeaten 22 as the hosts battled their way to a more respectable total.

Brigade’s chase also had a shaky start as they slipped to 33-4, but the Macbeth family theme continued as Scott Macbeth produced a match-winning unbeaten 54 from 44 balls. His innings included four sixes and four fours.

Scott shared an unbroken stand of 79 with Ryan Macbeth, who finished 19 not out, as Brigade eased to victory in the 18th over.

Coleraine boosted their hopes of reaching the semi-finals with a 38-run victory over Bready in Group A at Sandel Lodge.

A superb century partnership between Louren Steenkamp and Scott Campbell laid the foundation for Coleraine’s success after they posted 158-2 from their 20 overs.

Steenkamp produced an outstanding unbeaten 82 from 62 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes in a commanding innings. Campbell provided excellent support with a quickfire 38 that included three fours and three sixes as the pair shared a decisive century opening stand. Patrick Carson also chipped in with 22.

Bready used eight bowlers in an effort to slow the scoring, with Travis Faulkner taking 1-20 and Nathan McCombe 1-24 the most economical.

In reply, Coleraine’s bowlers maintained control throughout. Left-armer Stephen Hutchinson made the early breakthroughs before teenagers Timothy Hamilton and Ethan Darragh combined for five wickets to wrap up victory.

Charlie Downey top-scored for Bready with 32, while skipper Ryan Clarke made 20 before they were bowled out for 120.

Fox Lodge produced an impressive all-round performance to defeat Donemana by 43 runs.

A powerful batting display laid the platform for the Ballymagorry side as they posted 168-7 from their 20 overs.

Gayan Maneeshan continued his excellent form with a blistering 64 from just 36 balls, clearing the ropes six times while also striking three fours in a dominant innings. Dean McCarter also played a key role with a brisk 34 as Fox Lodge maintained the pressure throughout the innings.

Donemana fought back well with the ball at stages, led by Raymond Curry’s impressive 3-17. Levi Dougherty claimed 2-35, while Gary McClintock picked up 2-41.

However, Donemana’s chase never gained momentum against a disciplined Fox Lodge bowling attack. Wickets were shared throughout the innings as the home side kept firm control.

Skipper Jonny Robinson and Adam Walker both claimed three wickets, while Levi Kerr added two more as Donemana were dismissed for 125 in 17.2 overs, with Gary McClintock top-scoring with 29.