Ardmore eased their relegation concerns with a vital 67-run victory over Eglinton at the Bleachgreen, inspired by a remarkable late recovery and an excellent bowling display.

The home side appeared to be heading for a modest total when they slumped to 126 for seven in the 33rd over, but talented teenager George Dalton transformed the innings alongside Vivek Sheoran.

Dalton struck a superb 55 from 58 deliveries, finding the boundary 10 times, while Sheoran finished unbeaten on 46 from 49 balls, including four fours and a six. Their century partnership added 108 for the eighth wicket and carried Ardmore to a competitive 236 for eight from their 50 overs.

Earlier, Sadiq Safi had given the innings some substance with 39 from 51 balls, but wickets fell regularly around him. Muhammad Edrees, Kasun Aberaytne and Adam Chester were all dismissed inside the opening five overs, leaving Ardmore struggling on 36 for three.

Sabin Babu occupied the crease for 81 balls in making 24, while Matt Cuffe and Aneesh Anilkumar added eight and 12 respectively. However, it was the Dalton-Sheoran partnership which completely changed the complexion of the contest.

Ian Young was Eglinton’s most economical bowler, taking two for 18 from 10 overs, while Tom Spratt and Robbie Millar also claimed two wickets apiece.

Eglinton never established the major partnership required in reply. Andrew Lucas made a patient 31, while Dunith Jayathunga struck 21 from only 16 balls before falling to Conor Brolly.

Jamie Millar top-scored with 35, including two sixes, and Young added 32, but Ardmore continued to take wickets at crucial moments.

Edrees led the attack with four for 32, removing Andy Millar, Lucas, Charlie Gault and Young. Mujeeb Rahman then swept through the lower order, claiming three for 19 as Eglinton lost their final four wickets for nine runs.

The visitors were dismissed for 169, giving Ardmore a much-needed victory and valuable breathing space near the bottom of the Championship table.