Templepatrick put a major dent in Carrickfergus’ title hopes with a crushing 168-run victory after dismissing the visitors for their lowest total in almost 18 years.

Carrick were bowled out for just 53 in 22.5 overs, their lowest score since Lisburn dismissed them for the same total at Middle Road in August 2008. On that occasion, Carrick had been chasing only 98.

Templepatrick’s imposing 221 for nine had been built around an excellent fourth-wicket partnership between Levi Cave and Jancan Adams after the hosts had slipped to 29 for three.

Cave top-scored with 82 from 106 deliveries, striking eight fours and three sixes, while Adams contributed a patient 54 from 86 balls. Their 105-run stand transformed the innings and provided the platform for a competitive total.

Jack Morrow maintained the momentum with a brisk 25 from 21 balls, while Shane Henderson made 13 and Nik Kane struck an unbeaten 12 from only four deliveries.

Atish Varape was Carrick’s most successful bowler, claiming five for 48, including Cave, Adams and Morrow. Alex Haggan added two wickets, but Templepatrick still finished strongly.

Carrick’s reply quickly descended into disaster. Iain Parkhill and Varape fell to Adams before Henderson removed Jay Parkhill and captain CJ van der Walt without scoring.

Michael Gilmour attempted to resist with 22 from 36 balls, but he was the only batter to reach double figures. Henderson also dismissed Gilmour and Haggan to complete superb figures of four for 12 from 10 overs, including three maidens.

Fintan McCarthy took two wickets, while Michael Stewart and David Kane polished off the tail as Carrick lost their final five wickets for only 14 runs.

The emphatic defeat leaves Carrick’s championship challenge badly damaged, while Templepatrick celebrated one of their most memorable victories of the campaign.