Fox Lodge remained firmly in the slipstream of Premiership leaders Newbuildings after completing a superb four-wicket win against Coleraine.

The Bannsiders posted 278 for one from their 50 overs, built around an outstanding unbeaten 151 from Scott Campbell. His 150-ball innings contained 13 fours and five sixes.

Captain David Cooke was equally impressive, finishing 109 not out from 136 deliveries as the pair shared an unbroken second-wicket stand of 266 following Patrick Carson’s early dismissal.

Fox Lodge lost Alastair Doherty cheaply, but Charlie Simpson and Jason Milligan transformed the chase with a magnificent third-wicket partnership of 166.

Simpson struck 109 from 108 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes, while Milligan made 94 from 106 deliveries.

There was a late wobble, but captain Jonny Robinson and Andy Heywood saw Fox Lodge home at 280 for six with seven balls remaining.

The contest was dampened, however, by the absence of official umpires.

One leading player said the situation “made a mockery of the game and devalues the competition as a whole,” adding that it was an issue requiring urgent attention from the governing body, with assistance from the clubs.

Fox Lodge nevertheless secured another important victory to remain second and keep the pressure on Newbuildings.

Coleraine though stay in the relegation play-off slot and are running out of games to avoid the unwanted fixture at the end of the season.