Burndennett edge thriller to climb above Ardmore

Burndennett moved above Ardmore in the lower reaches of the Championship table after holding their nerve to complete a hard-fought two-wicket victory.

Ardmore’s batting frailties were again evident as they slipped from 42 for one to 78 for six despite Bobby Brolly’s attacking 50 from 46 balls, which included 10 fours and a six.

Edrees Kharotai led a valuable lower-order recovery, striking 50 from 37 deliveries with four fours and five sixes. Matt Cuffe added an unbeaten 28, while Conor Brolly made 11 as Ardmore recovered to 187 all out in 35.3 overs.

Mohammed Saghir claimed three for 29, with Usman Azhar and Conan Pollock taking two wickets apiece.

Burndennett’s reply was built around Corey Roulston’s 42 and a decisive 55 from Azhar, who struck four boundaries and five sixes.

Mark Doherty made 26 and Zahid Mudassar contributed 20, but Ardmore fought back strongly to create a tense finish.

Conor Brolly produced an excellent spell of five for 34, removing Azhar, Roulston and Derek Curry as Burndennett slipped from 174 for five to 185 for eight.

However, Mark Snodgrass struck the winning boundary, carrying Burndennett to a deserved victory.