CSNI blew the NCU Premier League title race wide open with a dramatic three-run win over leaders Waringstown in a rain-reduced 10-over thriller.

Set 90 to win, Waringstown looked well placed after Steve Stolk and Morgan Topping gave them a flying start with an opening stand of 50. Stolk struck 25 and Topping 23, while Tom Mayes added a brisk 21 to keep the visitors in control.

But CSNI refused to buckle. Adam Leckey removed Stolk, James West bowled Topping, and Jake Collingwood then landed the crucial blow by dismissing Mayes. Waringstown needed eight from the final over, bowled by Collingwood, but could muster only four as James McCollum was left unbeaten on nine in their 86 for four.

Earlier, CSNI had posted 89 for six, built around a vital unbeaten 38 from captain Stuart Thompson. Ryan Hunter made 15 and Collingwood chipped in with 16, while Mayes and Ross Allen each claimed two wickets.

The result gives the chasing pack renewed hope and puts CSNI firmly on course for the top-six split, with a huge weekend of cricket and plenty of permutations still to come.