Defending champions Waringstown saw their grip on the title loosen further after CSNI completed a seven-wicket victory.

Waringstown were restricted to 111 for three from their 20 overs, with the innings never gathering momentum. Penny Speer struck three boundaries in making 19, but Katie West removed both Speer and Sophia Bushe to leave the champions 44 for two.

Captain Charlotte Lyons anchored the innings with an unbeaten 29 from 33 balls, while Cara Rainey added 11 before being bowled by Emily Carville. Emma McMurray provided late impetus with 21 not out from 18 deliveries, although Waringstown were helped by 26 extras.

CSNI lost Emily Carville early to Rachael Harrison, and captain Rachael Thomas followed for 13 as the reply slipped to 34 for two. However, Beth Healy and West turned the contest decisively with a third-wicket partnership of 62.

Healy struck six fours in a match-defining 43 from 42 balls before Rainey bowled her at 96. West remained unbeaten on 32 and, with Eva Wilson adding a brisk 10 not out, CSNI reached 112 for three in 19.3 overs.

Rainey’s two for 18 was Waringstown’s best return, but CSNI’s calm chase left the champions with further ground to make up.