Pembroke stayed top of the table with a routine nine-wicket victory over North County, comfortably chasing a modest target of 143.

North County were dismissed for 142 after failing to build a substantial partnership against a fired-up Pembroke attack.

Lochie Hardy and Suliman Safi both made 10 before Jamie Grassi briefly lifted the tempo with a rapid 17 from nine balls, including four boundaries. However, his dismissal left the visitors 48 for three inside eight overs.

John Devane attempted to steady the innings with 19, while Eddie Richardson top-scored with 31 from 39 balls. Richardson struck five fours and a six, but his departure with the total on 96 sparked another slide.

Alan Mathew contributed 22 and Ashish Jain added a useful 14 near the end, but North County lost wickets regularly and were unable to bat through their full allocation.

Gavin Hoey was the most successful Pembroke bowler, taking three for 29. Dan Murray, Addison Sherriff and Paul Lawson all collected two wickets apiece.

Pembroke made light work of the chase, powered by an excellent unbeaten 86 from Tim Tector.

The Irish international opener struck 12 fours and three sixes from just 57 deliveries, as North County’s bowlers struggled to contain him.

JJ Garth made 17 before he was bowled by Richardson with the score on 42, but there was no further success for the visitors.

Macdara Cosgrave provided steady support with an unbeaten 37, sharing an unbroken partnership of 101 with Tector.

Pembroke reached their modest target in only 22 overs, completing a convincing victory and maintaining their position at the top of the table.